Greek Easter: A Celebration of Faith, Tradition, and Feasting. The ultimate guide to Greek Orthodox Easter. It’s no secret that Greeks love Easter (“Pascha”). In the Orthodox Christian Church, it’s the most important religious holiday — a time of deep spiritual reflection and joyous celebration.
Across Greece and the Greek diaspora, families and communities unite to commemorate the Passion of Christ, celebrate His Resurrection, and, of course, share in traditional feasts.
We’ve gathered highlights from our archives to give you a complete guide to Holy Week customs, liturgical rites, and beloved Easter dishes.
What is Holy Week?
Holy Week (“Megali Evdomada”), also called “Great Week” or “Passion Week,” is the most sacred period in the Orthodox calendar. It begins with Lazarus Saturday, commemorating the raising of Lazarus, and continues with Palm Sunday, when the faithful receive blessed woven palm crosses. While still within Lent, Palm Sunday permits fish, olive oil, and wine, traditionally enjoyed with a seafood lunch.
Holy Monday to Wednesday focus on repentance and preparation, with evening services like the Bridegroom Matins, presenting Christ as the “bridegroom” of the Church.
Holy Thursday marks the Last Supper, with the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil, the washing of the Apostles’ feet, and the reading of the betrayal. Traditionally, it’s also when koulourakia, tsourekia, and red-dyed eggs (symbolizing Christ’s blood) are prepared.
Holy Friday (Megali Paraskevi) is the most solemn day, marking the Crucifixion. The mournful chiming of bells fills the air as the faithful fast strictly and reflect. In the evening, the flower-adorned Epitaphios is carried in candlelit processions, symbolizing Christ’s descent into Hades to save souls.
Holy Saturday begins with a morning Divine Liturgy and culminates at midnight with the Anastasi (Resurrection) service. The faithful light candles from the “Holy Fire,” and as the priest proclaims “Christos Anesti!” (Christ is Risen!), the darkness is dispelled, and the celebrations begin.
Easter Sunday & traditional feasts
Easter Sunday celebrates Christ’s victory over death. The morning Agape service features the Resurrection Gospel in multiple languages. The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom follows, and then families gather for festive lunches.
Greek Easter cuisine is famous for its rich symbolism and irresistible flavors:
- Magiritsa: a traditional offal soup, eaten after midnight on Holy Saturday, breaking the Lenten fast.
- Tsoureki: a sweet, braided bread often adorned with a red egg.
- Koulourakia: buttery Easter cookies, perfect with coffee. – Greek Easter without tsoureki is like Christmas without turkey. This sweet holiday bread, commonly seasoned with orange zest or mastic resin, is typically braided with a whole boiled egg (dyed red) pressed into the middle of the dough. It can also be eaten throughout the year, perfect for picnics, and the Christmas version (“Christopsomo”) is decorated with whole walnuts, sesame seeds and silvered almonds. In recent years, bakeries have even started selling fancy chocolate-filled versions. At Easter, it is often given as a gift from children to their godparents.
The smell of a freshly baked tsoureki is divine. Why not try making your own classic Greek tsoureki at home with this traditional recipe.
- Boiled eggs are typically dyed red, symbolizing the blood of Christ.
- Dyed eggs: typically red, representing rebirth and Christ’s sacrifice, used for the egg-tapping game “tsougrisma.”
- Roast lamb or goat: the centrepiece of the Easter table, recalling Christ as the sacrificial Lamb of God.
On the islands and across the mainland, villages host unique Easter customs — from pot smashing in Corfu to rocket wars in Chios.
Celebrating Like a Local
For first-timers, Greek Easter offers unforgettable experiences. From candlelit processions to midnight fireworks, local churches, chapels, and squares come alive with faith and joy. If you’re in Athens, don’t miss the Resurrection service at the St. George chapel on Lycabettus Hill — a truly magical setting.
Whether enjoying a countryside spit roast or joining a church procession, Easter in Greece is an extraordinary fusion of ancient traditions, communal spirit, and heartfelt celebration.
Kalo Pascha to all!
Καλή Ανάσταση!
