A Parade in ChaniaWorth a wander.
I actually have no idea what this parade is commemorating, and for that matter, a couple of locals I asked about it, didn't know either.
But the common elements are here: lots of flags for one.
Of course, a military presence. These are members of the Coast Guard.
"Traditional" costume, of course. Each village is said to have a distinctive dress for women. However, there may be more than one style for Chania, I think this might be the Ziponi style from the west of the island. Married women have a knife, so note the one at the back giving me the evil eye. The men are in what I recognize as characteristic of Crete.
Having an established religion (Orthodoxy), unlike the U.S. means military, clergy and everyone else all march together. The hats on the clergy (a kalimavkion) can designate either monks or priest, but don't ask me how to tell the difference. The band is part of the army.
A colonel in the fire service on the left (not a three-star general) and more coast guard or navy around them.