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Greece Easter holidays
Easter is an important spiritual time in Greece marked by a series of religious festivals and traditions. The Greek Orthodox Easter typically falls a few weeks after the Catholic celebration but shares similar themes of sacrifice, rebirth and the triumph of life over death. The week leading up to Easter, known as Holy Week, is filled with nightly church services, culminating in the solemn observance of Good Friday.
As the week progresses more and more people attend, with the largest mass, Anastasi, on Holy Saturday, the night of Christ’s resurrection. Many hotels across Greece recognise the importance of this sacred time and go to great lengths to make the experience memorable for their guests, including providing transport to local church services.
Easter holidays in Greece
Easter traditions in Greece
Easter holds significant religious importance in Greece, marked by a rich tapestry of traditions. The Anastasi Mass, held on the evening of Holy Saturday, celebrates Christ’s resurrection. As midnight approaches, the lights are extinguished to symbolise Christ's entombment. The head priest then ignites the 'eternal flame' candle, passing it among the congregation to light their own candles. Many take these candles home to mark their doorways with a cross made from soot, invoking blessings for the coming year. Following this solemn ceremony, communities often gather for vibrant celebrations such as firework displays light up the night sky, or burning effigies of Judas, symbolising the defeat of evil. The festivities continue at local tavernas, where families and friends come together to share in traditional foods and joyful activities, cementing bonds of community and faith.
Best hotels to celebrate Easter in Greece
If you are holidaying over the Easter period and want an authentic Greek Easter experience at this special time of the year then stay at the fabulous Creta Maris Beach Resort in Crete. This cobblestoned resort has been built to resemble a village by the sea, and comes alive over the Easter period. Guests collect spring flowers to decorate the beautiful stone chapel on Holy Friday. Then on the evening of Holy Saturday the resurrection of Christ is celebrated by the lighting of candles and recital of solemn chants. After the Easter Sunday services guests join in the traditional custom of roasting lamb on the beach. Kids are not forgotten and have the chance to make their own cookies, knead tsourekia, (Greek Easter Bread) and dye eggs.