Easter in Greece?

Question

My mom & I will be in Athens on Saturday morning, coming from CA and OR respectively. We realize that Easter is a very important holiday there & I was just wondering if any folks had recommendations on things we absolutely should be sure not to miss. While we're not religious by any means, we do want to attend a service, if it's acceptable & not disrespectful for tourists to do so.

Any insight is appreciated. Thank you!

Answer 1

You will have an opportunity to experience all of the rich pageantry and deep religious devotion expressed by the Greeks at Easter time. Greek Easter combines the religious resurrection ( Anastasi ) of Jesus Christ with the rebirth of nature in all its springtime glory.Easter is called in Greek "Pasha", meaning "Passover", in fact the passing from life to death and from earth to heaven.


Early Saturday morning the food preparations would begin,
the baking of Greek Easter bread studded with red, hard-boiled eggs( bright dyed red eggs are prepared on Thursday ), cookies, pastries and a special soup called "Mayeritsa" made from lambs' heads and knuckles. The Mayeritsa would be eaten after the Saturday Midnight services . Holy Saturday is filled with anticipation of the religious celebration of Easter and the Resurrection. People begin to gather in the churches and squares in cities, towns and villages by 11 p.m. for the Easter services.The ceremony of candle lighting is the most important moment. The priests exit the altar carrying a candle, and people light their own passing its flame from candle to candle. Then bells ring out joyfully at midnight and people kiss each other saying "Hristos Anesti"(Christ Has Risen) and responding, “Alithos Anesti” (He Has Risen Indeed). According to the tradition, the Christians take home their lit candles with the holy light of the Resurrection and, before entering their houses, they make a cross with the smoke of the candle on top of the door.

***You are welcome to visit any church, just be properly dressed.Most of people are standing outside, there is not enough space inside the church.And you can buy candels there.It is very nice to walk back to your hotel with lit candels in your hands***

Early Sunday morning the roasting of the Easter lamb would begin-usually outside in the villages. The bottom of the roasting pit is filled with charcoal, pinewood and the meat is rubbed with oregano and mint and secured on a spit.
In addition to all of the other special foods, people would also play a game with red, hard-boiled eggs (symbolizing life inside the tomb and the color representing the blood of Christ). Each person would select an egg and try to crack their opponent’s egg. The egg which remained whole would ensure luck for its owner.
While the lamb was roasting, people would nibble on hors doeuvres and retsina and the dancing would begin. The best dancers emboldened by the joy of the moment would execute their most intricate dance steps in celebration of the eternal rebirth of life throughout the land.

***It will be realy nice if you can go somewhere outside Athens on Sunday***If you stay in Athens, then my advise is to visit Plaka ( the old neighborhood ) and have lunch there***

And all the shops are closed Sunday and Monday.

Have a HAPPY GREEK EASTER !

Answer 2

If you are not going to be in Athens for very long (perhaps you are spending 2 or 3 days here and then going to an island or 2 or something), I imagine you would also want to see the Parthenon. Just an FYI, because I have guests coming in on Friday and I checked to find out when the Acropolis will be open over the Easter holiday season. You said you will be here on Saturday morning...if you want to go to the Acropolis, I have learned that they will close on Saturday at 2:30 and will not be open on Easter Sunday. Anyway, back to your original question. I have asked a number of my Greek friends and they confirm what has already been written by others here. It is okay for those of us who are not Greek Orthodox to attend the church services. Too bad you will miss Friday night...there will be processions throughout the streets. But on Saturday night you will be able to light the candles and hear the church bells and share in the communal spirit and tradition. Enjoy your visit in this amazing and vibrant city!

Answer 3

You should have planned a couple more days, like starting with White Thursday to attend the evening ceremony lead by the Archbishop in the Main Cathedral close to Syntagma Square. Its been one of my most impressing experience on how Greeks are deeply celebrating Easter. But do not hesitate to go in whatever church you find on your walk throughout Athens; you will be accepted without doubt.
On good Friday, it is a wunderfull experience to sit outside at Zeus restaurant in the Anafiotika area just under the Acropolis, and listen to all the church bells ringing in cascade all over Athens, one at a time it goes on for over half an hour. A unique experience.
Enjoy your stay in Athens; its great.
Have a look at the Athens 2005 albums
http://community.webshots.com/user/glljansen

Answer 4

You should experience the Saturday midnight celebration at all churches. Also on Sunday, people roast the traditional lamb out in the streets. Visit Plaka (old Athens on Sunday) or if you get the chance, get a bus and travel to Livadia (2 hours drive). There, the municipality offers free roasted lamb and wine (even if you go to a restaurant it will be around 60 $ for 2 persons) and I suggest that you go to the church Sunday evening. No problem if you are tourists or foreigners ...................you are welcome (just have moderate clothes on). Enjoy your stay in Greece (they have promised better weather than now, starting from Sunday).

Answer 5

Cpinatsi has a good answer so far as the islands go. For a good Easter observance however, I would choose the mainland, particularly the area called Roumeli because they celebrate Easter with a particular exuberance that you will not see on the islands. Livadia has a wonderful area with natural springs and the locals throw a marvelous Easter Day celebration and they invite you to partake in their joy. And it is not touristy.

Answer 6

I wish I was going with you.
Easter in Greece is bigger than Christmas here in U.S.
Just soak it up ask people questions if you don't know something (you will always get an answer, because Greeks know all the answers and just love to tell you).
Remember when someone says:
Christos Anesti (pronounced "Kreestos" "ahnestee" (roll your 'r') meaning Christ has risen.

You say: Alithos Anesti . meaning - indeed he has risen

You will never forget this trip.........believe me.

Ya sou

Answer 7

Greek easter is special and very traditional especially out of Athens,Unfortunately, as vegetarian, i hate the killing of the lambs....

Answer 8

Here is an article about the Easter traditions in Greece:
http://www.explorecrete.com/traditions/easter.html

It includes video and sound files.

Answer 9

I'm sad to say the Greeks make such a big thing out of Jesus passing but they say it is an experience by it self so you might have a good time..