An Orthodox Easter in Greece

This year, the Greek Orthodox Easter coincides with the UK’s school holidays. What better time for a break with your family to soak up some sun and experience Greek culture in full? This significant holiday, often considered the most important celebration in Greece, is marked by a week of festivities known as Holy Week, culminating in a spectacular array of religious and cultural events.

Moreover, springtime in Greece brings delightful weather and blooming landscapes, enhancing the overall travel experience. With fewer tourists around, families can enjoy authentic local cuisine, explore historical sites, and participate in community gatherings without the usual crowds.

Let's delve into the experiences you can discover …

Attend Midnight Resurrection Services

Attending the Midnight Resurrection Services in Greece during Easter is an unforgettable experience that immerses visitors in rich cultural and religious traditions. This event, known as Anastasi, occurs on Holy Saturday and reaches its peak at midnight when church bells ring out. The atmosphere becomes electric, illuminated by candlelight and filled with the joyous sounds of celebration.

One of the most captivating aspects of this service is the communal spirit it fosters. Locals and visitors alike gather in beautifully decorated churches, adorned with flowers and candles, creating a sense of unity and shared joy. As the lights dim just before midnight, anticipation builds, making the moment of resurrection profoundly significant.

Beyond its spiritual significance, the Midnight Resurrection Service is accompanied by vibrant festivities. Fireworks light up the sky, symbolising the triumph of life over death, while traditional foods await celebrants after the service. These culinary delights enhance the festive atmosphere, offering visitors a taste of authentic Greek Easter traditions.

Participating in this event also provides a unique opportunity to connect with local customs. Many towns have their own variations of celebrations, such as pot-throwing in Corfu or communal feasts in villages. This cultural immersion allows holidaymakers to experience Greece beyond typical tourist attractions, fostering a deeper appreciation for its rich heritage.

Join Festivities on Easter Sunday

Joining the Easter Sunday celebrations in Greece offers travellers a vibrant and joyful experience steeped in rich traditions and communal spirit.

One of the central traditions is the roasting of lamb on a spit, symbolising the sacrifice of Christ. The tantalising aroma of spit-roasted lamb fills the air as families and friends gather to enjoy a feast that often includes other traditional dishes like kokoretsi, a delicacy made from seasoned offal. This communal meal is not just about food; it represents togetherness and the joy of breaking the Lenten fast after a week of solemn reflection. Indulge in these Easter dishes at local restaurants, or for a more personal touch, our self-catering villas offer the perfect space to try your hand at preparing them yourself.

Easter Sunday also features engaging activities such as the egg-cracking game known as tsougrisma. Participants take turns tapping their red-dyed eggs against each other's, with the goal of having the stronger egg. This playful tradition adds an element of fun and competition to the day, bringing laughter and excitement to gatherings.

Music and dancing are also integral to Easter Sunday celebrations. Traditional Greek folk music fills the air, inviting everyone to join in the festivities. People often dance in circles, celebrating life and community. This lively atmosphere creates lasting memories for visitors, making them feel like part of the local culture.

Join a a candlelight procession

The candlelight procession during Orthodox Easter in Greece, known as the "Epitaphios" procession on Good Friday, is a deeply significant event. During this solemn ceremony, people carry lit candles as they follow a beautifully decorated bier symbolising Christ's tomb. The procession moves through the streets of towns and villages, accompanied by hymns and chanting. It is one of the most important and revered parts of the Greek Easter celebrations.

The procession centres around the Epitaphios, a wooden bier adorned with an icon of Christ and lavishly decorated with flowers. As night falls, the streets surrounding churches are closed to traffic, creating a serene atmosphere for the procession. Clergy and altar boys, dressed in ornate liturgical robes, lead the way as young men from the congregation carry the flower-covered Epitaphios through the streets.

Participants follow behind, each holding a lit candle, creating a mesmerising sea of flickering lights that illuminates the darkness. The air is filled with the scent of flowers and the sound of mournful hymns, as people chant and local bands play solemn music. This sensory experience creates an unforgettable ambiance that captures the essence of Greek Easter traditions.

The procession symbolises Christ's funeral, with the community coming together to mourn and pay their respects. In some locations, processions from different churches converge in central areas, creating a powerful display of unity and devotion. This event allows visitors to witness and participate in a profound expression of faith and community spirit.

Our Villa Specialists are happy to book a range of experiences for you. If you're feeling inspired by these experiences and would like to speak with one of our Specialists, make an enquiry or browse our Greece collection today.