Santorini, Cyclades · April 25 to May 3, 2027
Holy Week and Greek Easter
Watch fares from to , , , leaving , for in , , on . when .
Finding fares from your airport…
Holy Week and Greek Easter
When is Holy Week and Greek Easter 2027?
Holy Week and Greek Easter 2027 runs April 25 to May 3, 2027.
2027April 25 to May 3, 2027By the calendar
How the dates are set: Orthodox Easter follows the Orthodox church calendar, based on the Julian calendar and the phases of the moon after the spring equinox. Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, the Sunday before.
Holy Week and Greek Easter schedule
- Sunday, April 25, 2027: Palm Sunday, the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem, begins Holy Week in 2027.
- Friday, April 30, 2027: Orthodox Good Friday.
- Late Holy Saturday night: The celebration starts with a midnight church service. As the priest proclaims "Christós Anésti" (Christ is Risen), candles are lit and the church fills with light. People then take the Holy Flame home.
- Sunday, May 2, 2027: Orthodox Easter Sunday. Families gather for a feast centered on lamb roasted on a spit and red-dyed eggs, and play the egg-cracking game called tsougrisma.
- Monday, May 3, 2027: Orthodox Easter Monday, a public holiday in Greece.
Sources: truecalendar.com, datetimeonline.com
History of Holy Week and Greek Easter
Orthodox Easter Sunday, known as Pascha, is the most sacred religious celebration in Greece. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, three days after his crucifixion. The Church played a vital role in preserving Greek culture under foreign rule, and the tradition remains a unifying one across the country.
Source: datetimeonline.com
Holy Week and Greek Easter: questions people ask
When is Greek Orthodox Easter in 2027?
Greek Orthodox Easter Sunday is May 2, 2027.
When is Greek Orthodox Easter in 2026?
Orthodox Easter is April 12, 2026.
Is Easter Monday a public holiday in Greece?
Yes. Orthodox Easter Monday is a public holiday. Easter Sunday is widely observed but is not an official public holiday, since it falls on a Sunday.
Why is Greek Easter often on a different date from Western Easter?
It follows the Eastern Orthodox Church calendar, based on the Julian calendar and the phases of the moon after the spring equinox.
What happens on Holy Saturday in Greece?
A midnight church service begins late at night. Candles are lit when the priest proclaims that Christ is risen, and people take the Holy Flame home.
When is Clean Monday in 2027?
Clean Monday is March 15, 2027.
Sources: datetimeonline.com, stgeorgecathedral.com.au
About Holy Week and Greek Easter
Greek Orthodox Easter: a midnight Resurrection service, candles, lamb on the spit and red eggs, on a Greek island.
Orthodox Easter is the most sacred celebration in Greece and the joyful end of Holy Week. It starts late on Holy Saturday night with a midnight church service. When the priest proclaims that Christ is risen, candles are lit and people take the Holy Flame home. On Easter Sunday families gather for lamb roasted on a spit and the red egg game. The date follows the Orthodox calendar and often differs from Western Easter.
Know before you go
- Easter Monday is a public holiday in Greece.
- The midnight service on Holy Saturday is the heart of the celebration.
- Santorini (JTR) has its own airport, with connections from Athens (ATH).
Planning the trip
More like this
Every JulyFesta del RedentoreGiudecca Canal, Venice
Every DecemberSimbang GabiIntramuros, Manila
Every AprilVaisakhi ParadeVancouver, British Columbia
Every AugustDormition of the Virgin pilgrimage on TinosTinos, Cyclades
Every MayAnastenaria fire walkingLangadas and Agia Eleni, Macedonia
Every DecemberLa GriteríaLeón
Every OctoberSiyaha Festival at SiwaSiwa Oasis, Western Desert
Every May to JuneCorpus Christi in CuscoPlaza de Armas, Cusco
Every JulyFeast of Prophet Elias in FiraFira, Santorini
Every OctoberCírio de NazaréBelém, Pará
Every September to OctoberPhuket Vegetarian FestivalPhuket Town
Every October to NovemberSeñor de los MilagrosCentral Lima