Easter has a much greater significance in Greece than in other European countries, even greater than Christmas.
Maundy Thursday, Good Friday & Easter Saturday
Experience the special atmosphere in Greece on the days before Easter. Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are dominated by church ceremonies and processions through the towns. In particular, the crucifixion and burial of Jesus is commemorated. On Maundy Thursday the traditional egg dyeing also takes place. In Greece, the eggs are mainly dyed red.
On Holy Saturday at 12 midnight the church bells begin to chime. The priest is heard shouting “Christos Anesti”, in English “Jesus is risen”. The people answer the call with “Alithos Anesti” -> “He is truly risen”.
Visitors who come to Greece on Easter can feel the sense of togetherness that prevails at that moment. After sharing the Easter light as a sign of Jesus’ redemption, Greeks go home with the family and eat together the Greek Easter soup, the Magirítsa. This soup consists of the offal of the lamb that is destined for Easter Sunday. Tradition at this meal is a little competition: two participants each hit the egg of their opponent with their egg. Which one has a cracked shell first? The unbroken egg wins.
Easter Sunday
On Easter Sunday, people have a barbecue, celebrate and feast. No Greek plate is without the famous Easter lamb, which was slaughtered especially for today. People gather in houses, yards or on the street, dance and sing traditional songs. Depending on the region, the celebrations vary, but all are cheerful and inviting.
Easter Monday is also a holiday in Greece.
The Orthodox Easter weekend this year is the weekend of April 22-24. Our recommendation: come to Greece to experience this very special holiday. Visitors are welcome!
