Easter In Greece – The Short Guide To Greek Easter
Western Easter Calendar versus Orthodox Easter CalendarThe Western Easter calendar and the Orthodox Easter calendar are two different ways of calculating the date for the annual celebration of Easter, one of the most important holidays in the Christian religion. While both calendars are based on the same underlying events, there are some notable differences in the way that they are calculated. The Orthodox Easter calendar, on the other hand, is based on the Julian calendar, which was introduced by Julius Caesar in 45 BCE. The Western Easter calendar (Julian) is based on the Gregorian calendar, which was introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582 as a reform of the Julian calendar. The Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar, meaning that it is based on the rotation of the Earth around the sun. In the Western Easter calendar, the date of Easter is calculated as the first Sunday following the first full moon that occurs after the vernal equinox, which is usually on March 21st. As a result of these differences in the calculation, the dates of Western Easter and Orthodox Easter often do not coincide. In some years, the two dates can be several weeks apart, which can cause confusion for people who are not familiar with the different calendars. In general, Western Easter tends to occur earlier in the year than Orthodox Easter, although there are exceptions to this rule. Despite these differences, the celebrations of Easter in Western and Orthodox traditions are similar in many ways. Both involve religious services, the lighting of candles, and the sharing of traditional foods and treats. Whether celebrated according to the Western or Orthodox calendar, Easter is a time of joy and renewal for Christians around the world. Greek Easter 2023The most important event in the Christian Orthodox Calendar, Easter in Greece, will be celebrated with friends and family. Many people will travel to Greece and its Islands to celebrate Easter with their families Greek Easter 2023 falls on, Sunday April 16th, we will take the opportunity to enjoy a sunny Easter break at Amari Villa Kefalonia, Greece. If you’re looking for a unique and cultural Easter experience, then Greece is the place to be! Easter in Greece is celebrated much differently than in other parts of the world. Here, it’s all about spending time with family and friends and enjoying traditional food and activities.
How is the Greek Orthodox Easter celebrated in Greece and its Islands?Orthodox Easter, also called Pascha and Resurrection Sunday, is the oldest and most important festival in the Eastern Christian tradition, celebrating Jesus Christ’s resurrection (rising from the grave) following his crucifixion and death. The rich history and old customs of Greece are often celebrated at Easter Holidays in traditional festivals and vary from village to village. You will have the opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of a typical Greek celebration. Greek Easter CelebrationsTsiknopempti, Smoky ThursdayTsiknopempti, also known as Smoky Thursday, is a traditional Greek celebration that takes place on the second Thursday before Lent. It is a day when Greeks consume large quantities of grilled meat, creating a smoky atmosphere, hence the name “smoky” Thursday – A delight for meat lovers Tsiknopempti is considered a pre-Lenten festival, and it is celebrated as the last opportunity to enjoy meat before the start of Lent, a period of fasting and abstinence leading up to Easter. On this day, many Greeks gather with friends and family to enjoy a feast of grilled meats, including pork, beef, and lamb, accompanied by traditional side dishes like tzatziki, horiatiki salad (vegetable Salad), and chips. The streets are filled with the aroma of grilled meat, and many restaurants set up outdoor grills to cook and serve the meat. Tsiknopempti is a joyous celebration that brings people together, and it is a time to indulge in delicious food and drink, dance to traditional music, and enjoy the company of loved ones. Overall, Tsiknopempti is a beloved tradition in Greek culture, a day to celebrate good food, good company, and the approaching Lenten season. Clean MondayIn Greece, the Monday before Lent is called Clean Monday (Kathara Deftera). It’s a day when people start their Great Lent fast (“Sarakosti”) by eating only vegan foods. Many people also take this opportunity to clean their homes from top to bottom. It’s a time to fresh start both physically and spiritually. If you’re in Greece during Clean Monday, you’ll see many people out and about enjoying the beautiful weather. LentLent is the 40-day period leading up to Easter. During Lent, many Greek Orthodox Christians give up certain foods or activities as a way of spiritual cleansing. The most common things to give up are meat, dairy, oil and eggs. This is a time of reflection and preparation for Easter. During this period fasting is observed with mainly delicious Greek vegetarian/vegan dishes. Holy Week Painted Eggs and Easter Bread – traditional Easter The week before Easter is ‘Holy Week’. There are church services both morning and evening across this week. Palm Sunday – The Sunday before Easter will celebrate Christ’s entry to Jerusalem.  Epipath being carried from the church for the procession around the streets Good FridayGood Friday is a day of mourning – the day of Epitaphios, on that day people mainly wear black colours. In the evening people go to church, and after the service, there is a procession through the streets with people carrying the epitaph or coffin of the Lord Easter Saturday The whole week has focused on this day and new hope is in the atmosphere. On Holy Saturday, mid-morning, locals observe the First Resurrection and participate in the “Pot Throwing” tradition. During this custom, they throw pots, causing them to break on the streets. This act is believed to drive away death and evil spirits. On Holy Saturday, the Resurrection Mass takes place at midnight, and the church bells ring throughout the village squares in Kefalonia, to announce the Resurrection of Christ. People light candles and lanterns, and the sky is illuminated with the glow of the candles. Easter SundayTo welcome Easter Sunday, the only light that will be burning is the single flame from the candle that has been lit from the Holy flame in the Church of the Resurrection in Jerusalem (flown in from Jerusalem) This light will slowly be passed around to each person throughout the congregation as we head towards midnight. Each person carries a candle. The candles they carry will all have been lit from one inside the church, the “Holy Flame”. At exactly midnight the Head priest will chant the words “Christos Anesti” (Christ has Risen) or “Alithos Anesti” (he has truly risen). At midnight, as the clock chimes to welcome Easter Sunday, the locals gather and hurl firecrackers at the village church. Tradition has it that this will ward off evil spirits for the coming year. Then the noise starts…The louder bangs that can be heard are the result of local lads who throw fireworks in the church bell tower. It can be ear drum piercing but very entertaining. Bells will ring…People will be shouting. People will carry their candles home and as they enter their homes, the candles are used to make the mark of the Cross on their door before they go inside. Easter Sunday is fairly quiet as everyone goes to bed so late in the morning. Check out our other posts by visiting our Blog. Easter MondayEaster Monday is the last day of Easter Week. It’s a day for people to relax and enjoy the rest of their Easter celebrations. In Greece, Easter Monday is a time for going to the beach, playing games, and spending time with family and friends. Start of Spring Easter is associated with the beginning of springtime when all the flowers and fauna are blossoming, the air smells alive and fresh, the skies are the best colour of the year, and the days are getting longer. Enjoy this beautiful time of year! Kefalonia EasterKefalonia Easter is a unique and special celebration that combines religious traditions, cultural customs, and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in the processions and ceremonies, the delicious cuisine, or the breathtaking scenery, Kefalonia has something to offer everyone. So why not plan a trip to Kefalonia this Easter and experience the magic of this beautiful island for yourself? With its warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage, Kefalonia is sure to be a holiday you’ll never forget. καλό Πάσχα – Happy Easter from all at your favourite Kefalonian Villas: Amari Villa Kefalonia – Luxury Villa in Kefalonia Greece FAQs:Q: What is the best time to visit Kefalonia? Q: What is the traditional Easter dish in Kefalonia? Q: Where can I experience the Kefalonia Easter celebrations? |
