Easter in Greece: What to Expect and Where to Celebrate

For Greeks, Easter (Pascha) is more important than Christmas. It follows the Orthodox calendar, so the date often differs from Western Easter. Visiting during Holy Week is a memorable way to see Greek culture at its most heartfelt.

Holy Week

On Good Friday, the Epitaphios — a flower-covered bier representing Christ's tomb — is carried through the streets in candlelit processions. Many shops and services close or keep reduced hours over the long weekend.

Saturday night

Just before midnight on Holy Saturday, churches go dark. At midnight the priest emerges with the Holy Light and announces Christos Anesti ("Christ is risen"). Candles are lit from person to person, fireworks go off, and families head home to break the fast with magiritsa soup.

Easter Sunday

Lamb roasts on spits across the country, red-dyed eggs are cracked in a game called tsougrisma, and celebrations last all day.

Corfu's Easter

Corfu is famous for its Easter traditions, including the custom of throwing clay pots from balconies on Holy Saturday morning, accompanied by the island's philharmonic bands.

Practical tips

Book ferries and accommodation early — Easter is a major travel weekend for Greeks. Dress respectfully if you attend church services.