Christós Anésti! Christ is Risen!

The shops? Closed. Our tummies? Hungry. The eggs? Dyed a deep, vibrant red. 

That's Easter in Greece for you.

Athens feels almost abandoned—ghostly, even—as everyone scrambles back to their "Chorio." That's the village they originally hail from, where roots run deep and family ties pull everyone back home for this very special time of year.

Easter Sunday is the big show, a true feast for the soul (and stomach!). 

But the whole week there is a different rhythm taking over. In the city, streets usually bustling with the day-to-day are eerily quiet. Out in the villages? A whole different story: laughter, music, and everywhere smelling like something delicious is cooking.

So if you're wandering through Greece during Easter, let the unique pace of life here catch you; slow down, soak it up. 

After all, isn't that what traveling's all about?

Here’s what we’ll get into today:

• The Reality of Greek Easter Traditions

• Public Holiday in Greece & Useful Information

• The Best Places to Spend Easter in Greece

• A DIY Recipe for Vibrant Red Easter Eggs

Your Local in Greece,

— Efi

The Reality of Greek Easter Traditions

Easter in Greece is definitely considered something beyond a holiday.

The entire Easter week sees the country re-shifting, but preparations begin way before that, starting in Sarakosti, the 40-day period of Great Lent for the Greek Orthodox Church.

Traditionally, during Sarakosti, people cut off meat, dairy and fish completely from their diet, but are allowed seafood (which is why you’ll see plenty of ‘Nistisima’ options in shops and supermarkets). However, depending on lifestyle and religious beliefs, this can vary significantly from person to person.

As Holy Week unfolds, each day is marked with its own significance and traditions:

Palm Sunday: Celebrates Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem with churchgoers often receiving palm crosses which are later hung in their homes for protection.

Holy Monday to Wednesday: Services focus on the last days of Jesus' life, and many attend church to prepare themselves spiritually for the rest of the week.

Holy Thursday: The day is dedicated to the Last Supper. It's also the day when the red Easter eggs are dyed, symbolizing the blood of Christ, and the tsoureki, a traditional sweet bread, is baked.

Good Friday: Considered the most solemn day of the week, it commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus. The Epitafios procession, where the symbolic tomb of Christ (adorned with flowers) is paraded through the community, is a significant highlight.

Holy Saturday: The anticipation builds towards midnight when the Resurrection service begins. Just before midnight, all lights in the church are turned off to symbolize the darkness of the tomb. At midnight, the priest announces Christ’s resurrection, and light is restored - symbolized by the passing of the Holy Light from candle to candle among the congregation.

Easter Sunday: Celebrations burst forth with the roasting of lamb and the continuation of the red egg cracking game, tsougrisma, symbolizing new life and resurrection.

What Are The Best Islands to Spend Easter in Greece?

Thinking about experiencing Easter in Greece? Here are some islands where the festivities truly come to life in the most enchanting ways:

Corfu Island

For a once-in-a-lifetime Easter, head to Corfu. Even Greeks say it’s a must-see.

The entire island pulses with life, the philharmonic band marching through the streets, music filling the air, and don’t forget the peculiar but thrilling tradition of throwing clay pots out of windows on Holy Saturday! It’s loud, festive, and unforgettable.

Folegandros Island

On Folegandros, Easter is a quieter affair but deeply moving. The silver icon of the Virgin Mary makes its solemn journey from village to village throughout Holy Week, uniting everyone it passes. This beautiful procession ends up at the harbor, turning the whole island into a stage for this sacred tradition.

Hydra Island

Step back in time on Hydra, where cars and bikes are replaced with donkeys and boats. The Epitaphios procession here feels otherworldly as it winds through the car-free, cobblestone streets, surrounded by the soft glow of candles and the solemn chants of the faithful. It’s a serene, almost mystical experience.

DIY Red Easter Eggs With Onions Skins

Want to feel part of the Greek Easter traditions but don’t have a bunch of red dye lying around?

I’ve been there…

Back in 2014, I was living in New Zealand and I could not for the life of me find red dye for eggs in the stores. Keeping tradition alive, especially for my kids and family, has always been important to me. Luckily, years spent in Greek kitchens meant I had a few culinary tricks up my sleeve.

Using nothing but onion skins, this simple method taught by generations of Yiayias transforms plain eggs into stunning, deep red beauties.

It's eco-friendly, steeped in tradition, and a beautiful nod to sustainable practices our ancestors mastered long ago.

I hope that wherever this Easter finds you in the world, you make it a memorable one.

Embrace the traditions, create new memories, and enjoy the celebrations, no matter how near or far you are from home.

See you next time! ✈️

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