5+1 Greek Easter traditions
In the Greek Orthodox faith , Easter is the most sacred and important religious holiday of the Orthodox Church. Traditions and customs of Easter remain an important part of Greek life. Let’s discover some of them in Greek islands.
1. Easter traditions from Corfu
One of the most popular greek island to spend your Easter holidays is, without a doubt, Corfu. On Easter Saturday at 11:00 am the first Resurrection is announced and people throw ceramics pots full of water of their of their windows and balconies!
2. Easter traditions from Crete
Greek Easter in Crete is celebrated with many local customs and traditions. From early morning on Easter Saturday children prepare a bonfire and an effigy of Judas outside the church to burn after the midnight service.
3. Easter traditions from Syros
Easter in Syros island is a unique experience that everyone must live at least once in their lifetime. Syros is one of the few places in Greece where those two different Christian communities , Orthodox and Catholics , celebrate Holy Easter together! The procession commences with three Orthodox epitaphs and they meet with the Catholic epitaphs in Miaoulis Square.
4. Easter traditions from Zakynthos
The atmosphere in Zakynthos island especially on Easter is simply and uniquely magnificent! On Easter Saturday morning , people are gathering at St.Markos’ Square ,making a circle and waiting with a clay pitcher in their hands, to celebrate the first Resurrection. When the first Resurrection is announced they break the pots in the center of the circle.
5. Easter tradition from Patmos
Patmos island is also known as the Island of the Apocalypse. The most important and famous church ceremony is ‘’The Washing of the Disciples’ Feet’’ which takes place on Maundy Thursday. A stage as a platform is constructed in the square of the capital village Hora. Usually the Abbot portrays the role of Christ who washed the feet of His students and then he starts to follow his path to the place of devotion, reminding the way Jesus followed towards the Garden of Gethsemane.
Extra: Rocket war in Chios
Last but not least , Chios island it’s known for its ‘’Rocket War’’ tradition on Easter. The ‘’Rocket War’’ is a dangerous Easter custom that has been taking place since the Ottoman era. The two churches in the center of Vrontados shoot bottle rockets at each others’ bell towers. However the few last years , the goverment tries to forbit the tradition of ‘’Rocket War’’ because of its danger.
Wherever you decide to spend your Easter holidays in Greece , it’s going to be an unforgettable experience!
From all of us at Travelgogo we wish you all a Happy Easter (“Kalo Pascha”)
