January to May in Greece is usually pretty quite regards to tourism. For the islands like Corfu it is even more so. The tourist season in Corfu is from May to October. The rest of the year basically everything is closed except for in Corfu Town.
However, that doesn’t mean we don’t come out of hibernation once in a while!
Below I will tell you all the major holidays that the Greeks celebrate from January until May.
January 1st
Today is the name day of Saint Vasilis. Many years ago on this day is when we would exchange gifts. Saint Vasilis was the Saint to bring them not Saint Nick! However, as American culture spread, most Greeks also exchange gifts on the 25th of December now.
Although, the tradition of cutting the Vasilopita still stands. This special pie is named after Saint Vasili and contains a hidden coin in one of the pieces. On New Years Day, we cut it to eat it and see who will get the piece with the coin. This person will have good luck for the year!
January 6th
Epiphany is today and its is when Jesus Christ is recognized as the Messiah. He was baptized in the Jordan river and this is why on this day in Greece the Priest will throw a special cross into the water and young men will jump and and race for it. The person that finds it is said again to have good luck for the year.
Carnival
The carnival in Greece is a big celebration right before the beginning of the Easter fast. It begins around 10 weeks before the Greek easter and ends on Clean Monday. It is also called “apokries” which means abstention from meat.
During these few weeks of the carnival, we wear costumes, mask going out to celebrate and party. We dress up and wear masks as a way to show our freedom of expression.
The biggest city to celebrate “apokries” is Patras. If you are interested in visiting Patra for the carnavali click here.
Tsiknopempti March 7th 2024
The english translation meaning charred thursday or grill thursday is one of the Carnval celebrations. On this day, we grill and eat a lot of meat! We do it because, soon, the 40 day meat fast is coming up so we need our strength. Nowadays, however, many don’t do the whole 40 day meat fast. Some do it for the last week and others not at all. Everyone still celebrates tsiknopemti though :).
Clean Monday March 18th 2024
So we go from feasting to fasting on clean monday. It marks the end of the Carnival season. We like to celebrate it outside with some picnics, since, it typically marks the first day of spring. Any vegetables are eaten and also seafood. Hopefully, it is a sunny and a little bit windy because it is also tradition to fly a kite!
Greek Independence day March 25th
Unlike, the last few holidays, this date stays the same every year. March 25th is a prideful day for the Greeks, since we got our independence from the Turks. Every one hangs there Greek flags high and we enjoy the marching bands marching and playing.
The traditonal meal for this special day is:
“Bakaliaros Skordalia” is a traditional Greek dish that is often associated with Greek Independence Day. Bakaliaros refers to salted codfish, and Skordalia is a garlicky potato or bread-based dip. Since this meal contains a lot of garlic, it is natural that it brings down your blood pressure a lot, making you very tired. So, it is customary to take a nap after lunch.
Some more information on Greek Independence day can be found here
During this time of the year, there is usually wild asparagus in the mountains. Since today is a holiday, a nice way to get outside is to go for a walk in the mountains and pick some fresh wild asparagus.
May 1st – Labour day
So technically the tourist season starts May 1st. So what a great way to start it off by with a day off for the workers! haha. The stereotypical epitome of the Greek culture? Well, so technically this holiday is not for all workers. Anyone that works in the tourism industry knows this.
Holy week 29/4-4/4
Holy Week, also known as “Megali Evdomada” or “Great Week,” is a significant religious observance leading up to Easter Sunday. Holy Week commemorates the events of the Passion of Jesus Christ, including his crucifixion and resurrection. The Greek Orthodox Church follows a traditional and elaborate schedule of services and rituals during this week.
The key days and events during Holy Week in Greece include:
- Palm Sunday (Kyriaki ton Palmon): The week begins with the celebration of Palm Sunday, commemorating Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. People attend church services, and branches of palm or other local vegetation are blessed and distributed to the congregation.
- Holy Monday to Holy Wednesday: These days are marked by evening church services focusing on the anointing of Jesus’ feet by a woman with expensive ointment, the parable of the ten virgins, and the betrayal of Judas Iscariot.
- Holy Thursday (Megali Pempti): The focus is on the Last Supper and the institution of the Holy Eucharist. In the evening, the Service of the Holy Passion takes place, during which the twelve Gospel readings narrating the events leading to the Crucifixion are recited.
- Good Friday (Megali Paraskevi): This is a day of mourning and reflection on the Crucifixion. In the evening, the symbolic funeral procession of the epitaphios (a decorated bier representing the body of Christ) takes place, and people join in a solemn procession through the streets.
- Holy Saturday (Megalo Sabbato): The day begins with the Vesperal Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil and the reading of the Acts of the Apostles. In the evening, the Resurrection Service (Anastasi) is the highlight, celebrating the Resurrection of Christ. At midnight, the proclamation “Christos Anesti” (Christ is Risen) is made, and people exchange the Easter greeting.
- Easter Sunday (Kyriaki tou Paskha): Easter Sunday is a joyous day marked by the Divine Liturgy and the continuation of celebrations. Families gather for festive meals, and traditional foods, including lamb, are often enjoyed.
Holy Week is a time of deep religious reflection and observance for the Greek Orthodox Christian community. The rituals and traditions vary across regions, but the central theme is the journey from the suffering and death of Christ to the joyous celebration of his resurrection.
Many of the lights in Corfu Town turn purple! This is done at the beginning of holy week as a sign of mourning.
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