Holidays

Holidays in Greece

Greece is an extremely culturally saturated country with countless myths and legends. Signs of thousands of years of history can be found at every turn. Every village, every monastery has its patron saint, who is honoured with a special folk festival. 97 percent of Greeks are Orthodox. Orthodox Christianity is the “predominant religion” according to the constitution, in effect the state religion of Greece.

Thus, the most important festival in the entire country is the Greek Orthodox Easter. Because the date is calculated according to the Julian rather than the Gregorian calendar, Greeks often celebrate later than other European countries, including later than in Germany.

Overview

New Year’s Day – January 1

Three Kings Day – on January 6

Rose Monday

National Day – on March 25

Karif Friday – two days before Orthodox Easter Sunday

Orthodox Easter – in May (Easter Sunday and Easter Monday)

Labor Day – on May 1

Ascension Day – on August 15

National Day – on October 28

1st Christmas Day – on December 25

2nd Christmas Day – on December 26

Worth knowing about selected holidays

National Holiday

The first National Day commemorates the liberation struggle against the Turks, which began on March 25, 1821. It is celebrated as a day of Greek independence and democracy with large military parades, marches of school children and numerous official festivities. Many people put on traditional folk costumes.

On the same date also falls the church holiday of the Annunciation, which is celebrated nine months before Christmas.

National Holiday “Ochi Day”

The second national holiday represents the resistance against fascism, more specifically against the Italian occupiers during World War II. It is also called “Ochi Day,” meaning “No Day.” On October 28, 1940, the then Greek dictator Metaxa is said to have used this word to reject an ultimatum by Mussolini to allow Italian troops to invade Greece.

On this patriotic day of honor, there are also parades from preschools to the highest educational institutions. Celebrities and dignitaries from the military, politics, organizations and associations take part in the parades.

Greek Easter

It is the feast of feasts in the Greek Orthodox Church. The heartfelt Good Friday processions are particularly impressive. The service on the night of Easter Sunday is also a highlight of the religious festival. The so-called candlelight procession is followed by Easter fireworks. Churches across the country are festively decorated with flowers.

On Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, more thought is given to physical well-being in the here and now, and there is extensive celebration with family over traditional foods and red Easter eggs.

Marian Ascension

This second most important religious feast in the Church’s understanding is celebrated throughout the country and islands with large church festivals. In particular, the many cathedrals, convents and chapels dedicated to the Virgin Mary celebrate masses and liturgical ceremonies.

In everyday life, this holiday date represents a turning point of sorts: For most Greeks, the end of the holiday and vacation season has approached. In many areas of the public sector, there is even a kind of summer rest until August 15, which is now coming to an end.