Gun-wielding Cretans may soon be relics of the past if the government manages to succeed in its push against the illegal use of firearms on the country’s largest island.

In a public event aimed at fighting Crete’s long-entrenched gun culture held yesterday, Public Order Minister Giorgos Voulgarakis said that the government is supporting initiatives that will help reduce the pain caused by gun-related accidents.

Firearms are widely owned on Crete, where firing guns in the air is a common local custom in celebrating events such as weddings.

Every year, however, accidents arise which not only cut the revelry short but sometimes end in a serious injury or death.

Among the high-profile individuals leading efforts against gun usage is one of Crete’s favourite sons, composer Mikis Theodorakis.

New Democracy MP Eleftheria Bernidaki, who lost her eyesight at the age of 3 from a gunshot, was present at the event held in Anogeia, Crete, yesterday.

“The unnecessary use of guns is a criminal act, it is not a tradition which can continue and definitely not a game,” she said.