Festivals in Greece

• 29 February, 24

Greece is a country rich in tradition and history, known for its unique festivals and traditions. These events not only have cultural significance but also create a joyful and vibrant atmosphere for both residents and visitors. However, there are 7 festivals that are considered typical that most people think you should not miss.

Orthodox Easter

In Greece, Holy Week is the most important event of the year. Each day has special Orthodox customs and traditions. On Holy Thursday, people bake a special Easter bread called tosureki. It usually has a red egg in the middle. Good Friday is a sad day. Church bells ring slowly all day. On Holy Saturday, just before midnight, churches light up with candles. People start chanting “Christos Anesti” which means “Christ rises”.

Epiphany

Every year in Athens, the old port of Piraeus celebrates this special religious day in a very amazing way. A priest throws a cross into the ocean and young men jump into the cold water to get it. This tradition is repeated all over Greece in little towns and on islands. The local people do a special ceremony for their community, but visitors can also come and watch.

Epidaurus

This festival allows you to watch Greek plays being performed in an old theater, just like they were in ancient times. You can see Greek tragedies performed as they were meant to be every Friday and Saturday night during the festival.

Aegina Fistiki (Pistachio) Festival

In Aegina, people love pistachios a lot. Pistachio trees grow all over the island and selling these green nuts is really important for the economy of the area. It’s not surprising that Aegina would have a festival just for them at the end of September when the harvest is over. Once you are done eating pistachio-flavored food, you can explore the market or watch some performances.

Ifestia Festival (Volcano Festival) Santorini

There’s more than just love happening in beautiful Santorini. The Ifestia Festival happens every September and celebrates the volcano that made Santorini’s unique land in 1646 BC. The explosion was about 100 times stronger than the eruption of Vesuvius which destroyed Pompeii. The Ifestia Festival has a live music show and a cool fireworks display that looks like a volcano erupting. It has sounds and lights that look like lava and explosions.

The Carnival of Corfu

Corfu’s Carnival is like the Carnival in Venice, and people think it started when the Venetians took over the island in the 13th century. The festival usually goes from February to March. The island has lots of fun events with people wearing special clothes and masks. At the end of the Big Parade, a big decorated vehicle for the King of Carnival is burned in a big fire while people have a big party in the street.

The Athens Marathon

The Athens Marathon happens in November and is inspired by a Greek legend that gave the marathon its name. It is said that a Greek soldier named Pheidippides ran from the Battle of Marathon to Athens to tell everyone that the Greeks had won against the Persians. It is said that he ran about 40 kilometers without stopping, and then collapsed and died after delivering his message to the Athenians.