Easter: A brilliant celebration of renewal

Easter is undoubtedly the most important religious festival in Greece. The whole country comes alive with the spirit of rebirth and renewal. The week leading up to Easter Sunday, known as Holy Week or "Megali Evdomada", is a time of reflection and reverence. On Easter Saturday evening, the resurrection service takes place, culminating in the midnight resurrection. When the clock strikes midnight, churches across Greece erupt in light and jubilation as Christ's resurrection is announced. People carry candles and fireworks light up the sky.

Carnival: a joyous farewell to winter

Carnival, known in Greek as "Apokries", is a festive season that bids farewell to winter and welcomes the arrival of spring with open arms. It is a time for celebration, costumes and merriment. Parades with colourful floats and masked participants fill the streets and people enjoy a variety of delicious Carnival delicacies such as "koulourakia" (sweet butter biscuits) and "tyropitakia" (cheesecakes). The most famous Carnival festival takes place in Patras, where a huge parade attracts people from all over Greece and beyond.

Greek weddings: A tapestry of traditions

Greek weddings are a fascinating mix of ancient customs and contemporary celebrations. They are steeped in symbolism and filled with rituals that reflect the couple's devotion and the importance of family. One of the most famous traditions is the "koufeta" (sugar-coated almonds), symbolising the bittersweet nature of life. The newlyweds often dance the "Kalamatianos", a traditional Greek dance, and guests gleefully pin money on the bride and groom's clothes to wish them prosperity.

Greek holidays: A time for family and faith

Throughout the year, Greece celebrates several holidays, both religious and secular, that have special significance. Christmas, celebrated with beautifully decorated trees and traditional feasts, is a time for family gatherings and festivities. Epiphany, known as "Theophania", is marked by the Blessing of Waters. A priest throws a cross into the sea or river and brave swimmers dive to retrieve it. Independence Day, on 25 March, commemorates the Greek struggle for independence from the Ottoman Empire and is celebrated with parades and patriotic fervour.

Conclusion

Greek festivals and traditions are not just events on the calendar. They are the threads that weave the fabric of Greek identity. They embody the enduring values of faith, family and community. These festivals and customs are a living connection to Greece's past and a bridge to the future. Whether you participate in the jubilant dance of Carnival or witness the sanctity of a midnight service at Easter. You will find that Greek festivals and traditions invite you to be part of something bigger - a living tapestry of culture, heritage and genuine joy.