A new curfew of 4:00 a.m. for wedding and baptism celebrations has been set in Heraklion, bringing an end to the long-standing tradition of partying until dawn. The decision was made by local hospitality and catering business owners to protect both employees and customers, aligning Heraklion with the cities of Chania and Rethymno, where similar restrictions have already been in place for several months.

According to neakriti.gr, the proposal was submitted by business owners to the Heraklion Association of Food and Entertainment Entrepreneurs, which officially adopted it. The new regulation will come into effect immediately after Easter.

The move was largely prompted by a tragic incident last summer, when three young people lost their lives in a car accident after returning home from work at a wedding reception—an event that shocked the entire island and reignited concerns over safety during late-night festivities.