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 There are so many authentic traditions in Crete Island that we would need the whole life to be able to list them. Lately many works about these issues have been released, all of them very serious publications and really recommended.
For instance, recently we attended the presentation of the book “The spirit of Tsikoudia” in the old Saint Mark Church. This book seemed great to us due to the approach to the subject and the awesome photographic work inside (…and, before anyone thinks we are trying to sell the book, we want to make it clear that we didn’t know the author)
Most of the times, those book releases are not available in different languages and the translation results a difficult task. In addition to that, there is such a bombardment of useless information to the tourists aimed to them to buy things, and we know that is not valid or reliable information. But the information we publish on Meredisoul is collected from our own experiences, out of our talks with colleagues, with guides or History experts, out of what elderly people tell us…
Coming back to the tsikoudia or raki topic, in order to get familiar with this word, we tell you that tsikoudia is the name Cretan people use to call their local beverage, distilled from the fermentation of grape marc. Nevertheless, the common name in almost the whole island is raki.
We can say without a doubt that raki distillation is one of the most ancient traditions and the trace of its origins take us directly to the Turkish invasion in the seventeenth century.
From that time on, the liquor production is validly registered in the island and it is elaborated in the utmost secrecy of distillation. Each kazaniero –this way is called the person officially in charge of the process- has his own formula or style. Usually there are several people involved, but only one is in charge of the whole prossess or can indicate when distiller should be removed to be filled with a new load…
In general terms, raki retains a personal style, and it is easy to understand that its quality –either because of the grape marc or the herbs used in the process- depends on the skills and knowledge of the person in charge.
In recent times and due to Greek laws, is usual to find a pair of places in each village specially fitted out for distillation. In the same way people do with olives, they use to become partners and take their raki production there. When that happens…well, relatives and friends of friends of relatives have for sure a party time …J
If you are lucky to join or just observe the raki distillation ritual, either because you decided to travel with us at that time or you just arrived to the island on your own, you should know a few things. Usually we like to give some practical suggestions, the sort of tips which are not in the books. These are some pieces of advice to consider when you join a kazani:
1) Make sure you are invited. Cretan people are very friendly, but it is always convenient to be formally invited by someone in the party.
2) Bring some present, like a bottle of good wine or even better, something to eat, especially something sweet or some dessert. It will be worth spending bearing in mind you will drink as much as you like. Besides, raki is a strong beverage and it is better tolerated with food.
3) Do not be in the way. We mean, if you want to help –and every help is welcome- try to be fast and firm, for instance to pass some utensil to someone or to be in charge of the barbecue together with others, but please do not stand in the way of somebody coming and going with a really hot still cover in his/her hands. If you don’t feel like helping, it will be much better to stay around laughing and enjoying than to half-help, which is actually to hinder.
4) Do not take up the main places at the table, as they are reserved seats for the elderly and those who take direct part in the kazani. As long as you respect their space, you may approach to them and somebody will surely get along with you.
5) Raki must be consumed with food, especially if freshly distilled. Try to disregard this suggestion and you will know how devastating its effect can be. So as you keep being invited to drink, ensure to eat something. You also should drink much water, and you will have it galore.
6) Remember not to mistake ouzo for raki: ouzo is consumed in continental Greece, not in Crete.
7) Under no circumstances you can mix raki with any other beverage. Raki is only consumed alone and Cretan people respect this rule above all.
8) Do not reject any invitation to drink. You can accept it and just take a small sip, but never say “no, thanks, I don’t drink”. The kazani is a party where everybody drinks.
9) When you make a toast, be sure of look into the eyes of who is clinking the glass with you (this is especially taken into account)
10) You should learn the word yamas when you go to a kazani. Yamas means cheers or “good omen”
Don’t forget this: enjoy the party, drink, eat, dance and you will have a great time. Enjoying a kazani celebration is a colourful and really traditional experience, full of tastes, rhythms and laughs that we are sure you will love.
Kazani - Raki distillation
Kazani - Raki distillation
Kazani - Raki distillation
Kazani - Raki distillation
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