Orthodox Easter in Greece 2027

Orthodox Easter 2027 falls on Sunday, 2 May - confirmed by publicholidays.gr. Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, 25 April, and reaches its climax on the night of Holy Saturday, 1 May into the early hours of 2 May, with the Anastasi (Resurrection) midnight service. This is the most important liturgical event in the Greek Orthodox calendar and one of the most moving experiences available to travellers in Greece.

Holy Week dates 2027

Date	Observance
Sunday, 25 April	Palm Sunday
Thursday, 29 April	Holy Thursday - liturgy and the Last Supper
Friday, 30 April	Good Friday - Epitaphios procession
Saturday, 1 May	Holy Saturday - Anastasi midnight service
Sunday, 2 May	Easter Sunday - spit-roasted lamb, family celebrations
Monday, 3 May	Easter Monday - public holiday

Note that 1 May is also International Labour Day in 2027, creating an unusually long holiday weekend. Domestic ferry and road traffic within Greece will be very heavy from Thursday 29 April onwards - book accommodation and transport well in advance.

Good Friday: the Epitaphios

On Good Friday evening, every church in Greece processes its decorated flower-covered bier (the Epitaphios) through the streets by candlelight. The procession typically departs at around 20:00–21:00. In Athens, the most atmospheric processions leave from the Cathedral on Mitropoleos Square, from the church of Agios Georgios on Lycabettus Hill, and from neighbourhood churches throughout Monastiraki and Plaka. The Lycabettus procession is exceptional - the hilltop setting allows you to watch the line of candles descending toward the lit city.

On the islands, Hydra (no motor vehicles) and Spetses host processions of particular beauty: torchlight through narrow stone streets with no traffic noise, only bells and footsteps.

Holy Saturday: the Anastasi

At midnight, all lights inside the church are extinguished. The priest emerges carrying the Holy Light - received annually from Jerusalem - and passes the flame candle to candle through the congregation. As the church gradually fills with light, at midnight the priest announces Christos Anesti (Christ is Risen); the congregation answers Alithos Anesti (Truly He is Risen). Fireworks erupt outside.

Finding a place inside a church requires arriving at least an hour before midnight. Standing in the square outside as the candles emerge through the church doors is equally moving.

Where to spend Easter 2027

Athens - practical base, spectacular Epitaphios in the Plaka and Lycabettus, widespread Anastasi celebrations. Hydra - arguably the finest Easter setting in Greece, but accommodation books out from January. Corfu - unique tradition on Holy Saturday morning: large clay pots are thrown from upper-floor windows and balconies, smashing in the street below (the Botides ceremony). Crete - Heraklion and Rethymno both have significant traditions, with more accommodation options than smaller islands.

For full detail on what to expect and how to approach the ceremonies respectfully, see our Easter in Greece guide.

Planning tours or experiences for Easter week? Many archaeological sites and guided experiences operate on reduced schedules during Holy Week. Browse Athens and Greece tours on GetYourGuide - book early, as Easter week fills quickly.