Magical Locations For A Spiritual And Traditional Greek Easter.‘Kalo Pascha’ Everyone!
Without the merest doubt, Greece constitutes a corner of earth exuding tremendous religious interest. Τhe Greek Orthodox Easter is, in fact, the most celebrated and significant religious event on the country’s calendar. This year, the Catholic and Orthodox Easter celebrations coincide on the 20th of April, thus, giving visitors the perfect opportunity for a spring break accompanied by the spirituality and the devoutness of those few days of the Holy Week leading towards Easter Sunday.
Samos island, Greece Photo Credits: samos-media.blogspot.com
Greece cherishes a number of locations which promise the most traditional and spiritual experience you have ever endeavoured for Easter…Read on and choose your favourite among those distinctive locations. Plan ahead for next year’s Easter season and arrange to come and see the set of interesting traditions in your selected destination.
Remember that Greece presents a totally different set of colours, aromas and experiences during springtime that are worthy to explore!
Lycabettus Hill, Greece Photo Credits: www.athenswalkingtours.gr
Hellenic Holidays prepares with care a variety of packages that will bring you in contact with the spirituality and deep sentiments emitted from the Greek Easter. Capital Athens has been constantly gaining ground for this seasonal celebration and it is best to stay close to the historical center if you wish to acquire the zest of Easter in the city.
On Good Friday do not hesitate to join the large gathering at Syntagma square where all the Epitaphs from the central churches of the capital are meeting up. On Holy Saturday, select the chapel of Ayios Georgios on Lycabettus Hill and experience the Resurrection liturgy with stunning bird-eye views of Athens and extravagant fireworks.
As far as the Cyclades are concerned, Santorini is very popular for a spiritual Easter experience.
Gastronomy wise, taste the ‘sgardoumia’ soup on Holy Saturday and the ‘melitinia’ stuffed pies with soft cheese and honey.
Pyrgos village, Santorini Photo Credits: www.tresorhotels.com
On Good Friday, your best option is to visit the settlement of Pyrgos which is literally set on fire during the procession of the Epitaph.
For the Resurrection on Holy Saturday, you will be amazed by the amount of fireworks on the Cycladic sky.
In Crete, Easter in Rethymno will absolutely enchant you. The beauty of the spring nature which spreads between the Rethymniotika Ori mountains and the beaches at the coasts in the north and the south of the county in conjunction with the religious atmosphere of those days, synthesize a particular scenery full of colours and aromas which magnetizes visitors.
“Rouketopolemos” on Chios island, Photo Credits: www.xblog.gr
In the Dodecanese islands, we put Chios at the top of our list for a truly traditional Easter experience where we eagerly watch the famous Easter custom called “rouketopolemos” in Vrondades village.
Enjoy coffee at the central square of Vounaki and taste the delicacy of ‘avgokalamara’ which is omelette with minced meat.
In the Greek mainland, your best option for a highly spiritual and traditional Easter holiday is the area of Meteora in Thessaly. For the Resurrection liturgy approach Aghios Stefanos monastery up on the huge rocks of Meteora with views to Pindos mountain range, Pinios river and the beautiful town of Kalambaka. Excursion wise: Elati village, Pertouli village, Trikala town, Aspropotamos village complex and the stunning Plastira lake will absolutely reward you for your choice.
The custom of “Botides” on Corfu island, Photo Credits: frannieloves.wordpress.com
If you are thinking of the islands in the Ionian Sea, then Corfu is the ‘must’ place to be for Easter. In the morning of Holy Saturday, watch the unique custom of “botides” in the Old Town of Corfu.
Spot the numerous local philharmonic bands that walk the streets and enchant with their melodies. Taste the ‘mayiritsa’ festive soup and the roast lamb and do not leave the island if you don’t feast in the traditional dishes of ‘sofrito’, ‘bourdeto’ and ‘pastitsada”!
Last but not least, if you prefer the Peloponnese, then the town of Nafplio, which was once the capital of Greece, promises a cosmopolitan experience in a picturesque setting only 2 hours away from Athens. Must-see is the Epitaph procession at the fisherman’s quarter – “psaromachalas’. For the Resurrection on Holy Saturday, gather at Nafplio’s Syntagma square for extravagant fireworks!
Hellenic Holidays wishes you a happy Easter holiday overflowing with sheer happiness and joy! ‘Kalo Pascha’!