Greek Orthodox Easter & Holy Week 2024 in Santorini

One of the most important holidays in Greece, Holy Week, called Megali Evdomada, starts on Palm Sunday and lasts till Easter Sunday. Greek Easer is an elevating spiritual celebration, culminating with the day of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Visitors can witness many religious events during the Easter Week in Santorini, On Holy Thursday, the Greeks make Easter bread called tsoureki, koulourakia cookies, melitinia (sweet cheese and honey pasrtry) as well as red-colored Easter eggs. Holy Friday is the day of mourning, when many people go to church to commemorate the death of Jesus on the cross.

On Saturday evening, people go to churches for the all-night service, which ends with a massive celebration on Easter Sunday. After the service, the priest gives his speech, and the patrons of the church throw fireworks in the yard to celebrate the victory of life over death, good over evil. After street festivities, families also celebrate the holiday at home with traditional Easter food.

Pyrgos

One of the best destinations on the island during Easter is Pyrgos Village. On Good Friday, many towns have funeral processions to mourn the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. On Saturday, people light up candles in church and carry them to their homes through town. In Pyrgos, every house is illuminated with dozens of candles, and several candlelit processions march through the streets. Additionally, fires are lit up on the streets, creating a magical atmosphere.

Megalochori

In Megalochori, a great feast is held on the Saturday of Lazarus, right at the central square of the village. On the eve of the holiday, a huge 39-foot (12-meter) cross is erected at the central square of town. Then the cross is decorated with flowers and herbs, which local women and men had collected in baskets. The cross remains in its place until the Ascension. Smaller crosses or “Lazars” are also decorated in many people's homes.

Oia

In Oia, the picturesque church of Panagia Platsani is the center of Easter celebrations and ceremonies. During the festivities, the miraculous icon of Panagia is placed at Panagia Platsani square. On the night of the Resurrection, the square gets illuminated with fireworks, creating a spectacular sight!

Most villages mark Good Friday with a procession of the epitaph. In Fira, there are two epitaph processions that meet in the central square. Easter preparations all over Santorini also include white-washing houses and decorating churches with flowers.

Easter is a beautiful time to visit Santorini, but keep in mind that tavernas might be closed on Good Friday. Easter Sunday is a public holiday when most businesses don't operate.