Greek national holidays are deeply rooted in a dual heritage, reflecting both the profound influence of the Greek Orthodox Church and the nation’s long history. The annual calendar is marked by observances that commemorate pivotal moments of faith and freedom, creating a rhythm of celebration that is both spiritual and patriotic. The most significant holidays successfully merge these two elements, serving as powerful reminders of collective identity and shared values. These annual events are periods when the entire country engages in specific rituals and traditions, often requiring travel and large family gatherings.
Why Easter is Greece’s Central Holiday
The most important annual observance in Greece is Orthodox Easter, known as Pascha, which celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This holiday holds a status far exceeding that of Christmas, representing the triumph of life over death in the Orthodox faith. Its religious significance is so profound that the country’s social and economic life pauses for the week leading up to the celebration. Pascha prompts a mass exodus from urban centers as people return to their ancestral villages and islands. This tradition reinforces familial bonds and community ties, transforming the religious observance into a nationwide social phenomenon. The spiritual journey through the preceding Great Lent culminates in a joyous, communal feast that symbolizes renewal and hope.
The Variable Date and Holy Week Customs
The date of Greek Orthodox Easter is variable because its calculation follows the Julian calendar, which differs from the Gregorian calendar used by most Western Christian denominations. The Orthodox Church adheres to the rule established by the First Ecumenical Council in 325 AD: Easter must fall on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. Using the Julian calendar means the Orthodox date often falls one to five weeks later than the Western date.
The week leading up to Pascha, known as Holy Week (Megali Evdomada), is marked by a progression of solemn and symbolic services. On Good Friday, the atmosphere is one of mourning, culminating in the evening procession of the Epitaphios. This richly decorated wooden bier represents the tomb of Christ and is carried through the streets of every community, with the faithful following in a slow, candlelit procession.
The somber mood shifts dramatically on Holy Saturday night during the Midnight Resurrection Service, or Anastasi. Just before midnight, all church lights are extinguished, symbolizing the darkness of the tomb. The priest emerges to proclaim “Christos Anesti” (Christ is Risen) and shares the Holy Light with the congregation. The lighting of candles transforms the darkness into a brilliant spectacle, accompanied by the joyous ringing of church bells and fireworks.
Following the service, families return home to break the 40-day Lenten fast. They eat a traditional soup called magiritsa, made from lamb offal, herbs, and a lemon-egg sauce. This meal is followed by the cracking of red-dyed eggs (kokkina avga), which symbolize the blood of Christ and the promise of new life.
Other Major Annual Observances
While Pascha is the most significant holiday, Greece observes other major annual holidays that combine religious and national commemoration on fixed dates. The 25th of March is a dual celebration, marking both the Feast of the Annunciation and the start of the Greek War of Independence in 1821. This day is celebrated with military and student parades across the country, honoring the nation’s struggle for freedom from the Ottoman Empire. The religious observance commemorates the Archangel Gabriel’s announcement to the Virgin Mary. This combination underscores the deep connection between faith and national identity.
Another major national holiday is Ohi Day, celebrated every year on October 28th. Ohi Day commemorates the refusal of Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas to accept an ultimatum from Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on October 28, 1940. The word “Ohi” means “No,” and the day honors the nation’s defiant entry into World War II against the Axis powers, marked by patriotic parades and ceremonies.