of the student uprising at the Polytechnic University in Athens in 1973. to Mount Athos, the monastic republic whhere women are forbidden Paraskevis in Lesvos is a 3 day Festival of the Bull with live February-March – Carnival. Two major Saint days, which also coincides with fire walking festivals in Agia Elleni near Serres and at Langada near Thessaloniki. Labor Day is also known as May Day and is a public holiday in many countries across the world. Monday of the Holy Spirit is a celebration following Pentecost, fifty days after the Resurrection of Christ. to set foot, this book provides the visitor with the means to make Is Labor Day / May Day a Public Holiday? year to year so if an event sounds interesting to you, then you may want to The person who finds the coin inside the cake gets good luck for the year! is the Chestnut festival of Elos near Kissamos, Crete. Your name day is the day the saint you were named for is celebrated by the church. These holidays are celebrated all over the world, but they are just a small portion of holidays in general. Your email address will not be published. English. Daily News Nov.19, 1940. Some holidays are not always on the same date every year. The first part is about the buildings and their furnishings, This public holiday in Greece and Cyprus is always celebrated on October 28th. of May holds the Week of Prose and Art with theatrical performances, the fire-walking Anastenarides (probably remnants of Dionysion cults), the trials and victories of the modern greek state, to children's Cartoon by Fred Seibel/Richmond From proud military parades commemorating Navy Week in Crete honours the island’s maritime tradition with music, dancing, swimming and sailing; celebrations are especially big in Soudha, near Hania. This Christian festival is celebrated on the sixth of January. there are so many of them. and performers of Classical music. There are dozens more, varying from region to region. On this day, women leave their homes and spend hours in local bars while the men are left in charge of the housework and to care for the children. May 1 – Wreath Day, Labour Day, May Day ‘Protomayia’ –Public Holiday On this national holiday it is traditional for people to go to the countryside, have picnics, gather flowers, and make them into wreaths for their homes. When you go to a village ask one of the locals when the Panigiri for a I have not included all of the Saint's days just because See my Greek Easter Page for lots more information on this important holiday. This holiday is Greece's National Day and is always celebrated on March 25th. Christmas boat As this is a maritime … I have used for this page come from the book Greece, published by and a religious service. For living in a profoundly religious country, … It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed. Public holidays in Greece . If you’re planning your family vacation to Greece around any of these dates, be sure to include seeing these celebrations in your itinerary! Each church is devoted to a particular saint Heaven and Earth: The Greek Church by John L Tomkinson is an The most important holidays in Greece are Easter, Apokreas (Carnival Season), August 15th (Saint's day of the Virgin Mary), March 25th (Independence Day), October And these are only the main dates! It is celebrated on December 25th every year. You can wish me a happy birthday by e-mail or ask me why I would include my own birthday on a list of Greek holidays.September 29th is the name day for Saint Usually, the celebration of Christmas in Greece spread over 12 days starting from Christmas day and continues to 6 past. of Athens. Greece holidays 2021. and exotic manifestations of popular culture such as the mysterious It is a festival when the family comes together for the celebrations. fairs and celebrations in Greece for several decades who even as an old The photo of Samson is by Sabine Weis, In late Mid February Greece's Carnival That day, all Greek families cut the vasilopita, sweet bread with a coin inside which brings good luck for the year to come to its finder. People rap their eggs against their friends’ eggs, and the owner of … saint celebrate their name day in the same way as we celebrate our birthdays. Generally, Greece has many interesting … rooms and even houses through Booking.com's Greece Pages which also contributes to my website when you book. spring carol festivities which have survived unchanged from ancient Officially the Hellenic Republic, Greece is known for being the birthplace of democracy and is famous for its unique and historical architecture, as well as the multiple beautiful islands that attract millions of tourists every year. January 6th – Celebrated across Greece, the Blessing of the Waters is followed by a priest throwing a cross into the waters of rivers, lakes and ports, where brave young locals dive in to retrieve it. In Messolongi they hold the Lord Byron Poetry and Art festival. I am sure I have missed some. “Apokries” as it is known in Greek is celebrated with parties, feasts and parades three weeks before Lent Monday. “Festivals and holidays he celebrated lavishly as a rule, but sometimes only in a spirit of fun. Most of these customs and traditions date from the early Christian times or they are even continuations of ancient Greek customs. It usually occurs around May 1, but the date can vary. village of Ambelona near Larissa. Again, there are celebrations throughout Greece, with those in Arachova being perhaps the most well known. Again, there are celebrations throughout Greece, with those in Arachova being perhaps the most well known. Some military parades take place, as well as parades by representatives of schools. It is the only detailed guide of it's kind in print in You can find hotels, apartments, I have tried to include all of them but This page has a list of Public Holidays that are nationaly celebrated in Greece. That means on the days leading up to it every boat is full and in the islands every hotel is full so keep this in mind if you are traveling these dates. The total land area of Greece spans up to 131,957 km², while the population is estimated at 10,449,094. Expect celebrations marking the declaration of the Revolutionary War against the ruling Ottomans, with military and school parades up and down the country. A walk in the towns and villages of Greece during Christmas will bring you to decorated squares, streets, shops and houses. Saturday in Holy Week the ceremony of the resurrection takes place in the courtyard in front of all churches and bells... Easter Sunday is the biggest church holiday in … Greece celebrates Ochi Day as a public holiday. People also eat a special dish of fried bakaliaro (cod) and skordalia (garlic sauce) on this day! In Greece, January 8th is a festive day held near and dear to the Greek ladies. In recent years this day has been somewhat hijacked by the fringe left and anarchist groups in the Exarchia district of Athens. Find out who that Saint is and when the Panigiri is. Children go door-to-door singing their songs and playing their instruments, which include triangles, drums, lyres, … the International Trade Fair which includes the Song and Film research it further so you don't show up at a village to find the party In Kos there is a 2 day wine Festival with song and dance. Here’s all you need to know about the major festivals, celebrations and holidays. Furthermore, every church is assigned a Saint, and on that Saint's day, they recognize the person's life with a celebration. If you have business at the Embassy it is a good At the end of the day, the men may join the women to celebrate the remainder of the celebration. Towards the end of June in the town of Agia This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. August 15th: The day of the Panagia (Virgin Mary). at their wedding, to the interpretation of the symbolism of icons, calendar of the folk, religious, military and commemorative festivals the celebration. Join Matt Barrett's Greece Travel Guides Group on Facebook for comments, photos and other fun stuff. May 21st – St. Constantine and St. Eleni. International and Cultural events. In Santorini the In addition to church services, there is the vassilopita cutting. April 23rd – The Feast of Saint George (Agios Georgios). You can also e-mail Matt if you have any questions or comments. it is held at a monastery or church on the highest point of an island Saint Nicholas Day. and especially in Patras and in The Plaka May 1st – May day, Labor day, or the Feast of the Flowers. students. Ochi Day Date: October 28. Clean Monday or Katheri Deftera After the procession, people head home to crack red-dyed eggs and eat Magiritsa soup (don’t ask what’s in it!). Included are in-depth studies of many of the more interesting Your email address will not be published. This is the day of the National Anniversary of Greek Independence. On years when Greek easter coincides with St. George’s Day, you can expect major festivities! is the festival of the Myrtidiotissa Monastery. idea to save it for another day. One Greek Christmas tradition is the singing of kalandas or kalantas, Christmas carols. Do you enjoy using my site? It is declared as public holiday by the government and all public and private sectors remain closed on this day, learn more… Greek Independence Day in Cyprus Greek Independence in Cyprus is celebrated on the 25 th day of March. times, this beautifully illustrated guide provides the key to a October 28th – Known as ‘Ohi’ day, or ‘No’ day. institutions of the Church. In a country where you get two birthdays (your official birthday and a name day), you might be right in thinking that the Greek calendar is overflowing with festivals and celebrations throughout the year! On Sunday, the long fast is broken, and the smell of roast lamb hangs in the air. Wine Festival in Thessaloniki. bookshops in Athens or through Greece-in-Print, Between up the steps to the church that holds the holy Icon. Get inspired by our top ideas for vacation in Greece. It have a particular patron saint that they celebrate more then the others. was crushed when tanks crashed the gates of the university killing many We would suggest staying out of the center of Athens during the evening and night on this date. Have you found it entertaining as well as useful? They usually have to do with the patron saint. In 1821, the Greeks rose up against the Ottoman Empire which had occupied Greece for almost 400 years, leading to the … Holiday Traditions of Greece "Merry Christmas" The Christmas season in Greece spans twelve days, beginning on December 25th, Christmas, and ending on January 6th, Epiphany. of the Church from its apostolic beginnings to the problems it faces Along with the designated National holidays, other diverse public holidays are memorialized in local communities or municipalities. Ancient Greece gave us spectacle, drama, and perhaps the world's first ghost story when the Roman author Pliny the Younger wrote about the specter of an old man with a long beard haunting his house in Athens in the first century A.D. There are Grape the many variations on the popular cermonies of Holy Week and Easter, Our experts' pick of the top 10 cultural holidays in Greece for 2016, including festivals, archaeological tours and art classes, in destinations such as … exhibitions and various cultural and educational events in Molyvos. History of Greek Independence Day. Also many islands and villages will But modern Greeks never really embraced Halloween the way much of the Western world has taken to the holiday. itself. … and Celebrations held in Greece. Holidays Celebrated Around the World | author/source: Valerie Chalmers. In Thessaloniki the Demmetria Artistic festival at Eleusis near Athens. Many Orthodox Christians in the United States celebrate Christmas Day on or … of Northern greece during the winter and spring carnival seasons, Also some of the dates may be different from end of the month. Did you know there are some unusual holidays and festivals celebrated around the world? 40 days before Easter, marks the first day of lent and it is customary In 2021, it … In the land of Greece, national holidays also referred to as mandatory holidays and are celebrated in the entire nation. Towards the end of September in Kythira From the picturesque ceremony of crowning the bride and groom The second part contains a brief history Facism Dies by Yanni Fatsi. is similar to Mardi Gras in New Orleans and the festivities are particularly Other Useful Sites: Greek Islands, Easter in Greece, Apokreas-Carnival, Greek Weather, Books The day represents bravery, solidarity and heroism for millions of Greeks all around the world. New Year’s day (January 1st) is one of the most important days for celebrations. November 17th – Celebration of the Polytechnic uprising against the Junta (military dictatorship). You can The major Greek holidays include New Year's Day, Independence Day, Festival of the Flowers (Protomayia / Πρωτομαγιά) and Labor Day, Oxi (Όχι) Day, and Christmas. Ochi Day is a national holiday in Greece. August 15th: The day of the Panagia (Virgin For more information on how we collect, store, and use your information, please read our privacy policy. Greece has it’s own version of Santa Claus, they call him Saint Vasilis, who comes to their home on Christmas eve to deliver a few small gifts to the children. In Larissia the Eleftheria Festival of Karpathos, Heraklion, Crete, Amfissa, Efxinoupolis(Volos), Agia Ana(Evia), Rethymnon, Crete The most important Greek holidays and festivals. athletic contests, national dances and lectures takes place around the Required fields are marked *. Mary) In the month of May there is a folkloric Many flower festivals take place all over the country. Although there are a few national holidays in Greece where the whole country takes a break, you should know that each island, village and city has its own holidays as well. e-mail me, The top photo is of the legendary March 25th – Independence Day. Official Holidays in Greece New Year's Day and St. Vasileios Day Greek … serpents in Kefalonia and much more. It is a national and religious holiday that marks the “falling asleep” of Panagia, Mother of Lord Jesus Christ, and commemorates the Assumption of the body of Our Most Holy Lady Theotokoss into … You can find this book in most English-language bookshops in Athens or you can order this book through Greece-in-Print. Hill and Wang in 1961 by Hans Reich Verlag in Munich. Celebrating Greece’s long relationship with the sea, fishing villages and ports throughout the country host historical re-enactments and parties in late June. Pilgrims by the thousands come here to crawl on their knees January 1st is the Feast of Agios Vassilis (the Santa Claus in Greece is Saint Basil), celebrated with church services. But this day is also On years when Greek easter coincides with St. George’s Day, you can expect major festivities! If so please show your appreciation by booking hotels through the travel agencies and the links found on my Greece Hotels website. Sophia. In 2020, Carnival is celebrated from Sunday 9th February 2020 to Sunday 1st March 2020. today. Celebrations begin in April or May. the American Embassy. Christougena, which in Greek means Christmas, is celebrated on the 25th December and is a time when families come together to celebrate. The Greek equivalent of Easter eggs is hard-boiled eggs (painted red on Holy Thursday), which are baked into twisted, sweet bread-loaves (tsourékia) or distributed on Easter Sunday. On Good Friday the people of the towns and villages carry candles and follow the procession of the Epitaph. Greece celebrates over four dozen different holidays during the course of the year, including the more internationally known holidays such as Christmas and Easter as well as holidays specific to Greek culture. My favorite Saint's day is for the Prophet Elias because Date: December 6th “The legendary figure of St. Nicholas is derived from Nicholas of Myra who officiated as a bishop in 4th century Greece. and that saint's name day is usually celebrated with a Panigiri (festival), to go out in the country and fly paper kites. Many of these are based around key religious dates in the Orthodox faith, whilst others are holidays of national importance. Whit Monday ‘Agiou Pnevma’ Fifty days after Easter. Season called Apokrias, begins and lasts two weeks. 11 March, in 2021, was celebrated as Green Monday in Cyprus. A marvelous photo which is usually on top of a mountain. This is the most important yearly festival in Greece, and the exact dates change from year to year according to the Greek Orthodox calendar. That’s why we promise to never abuse your email and to only deliver the best of Kids Love Greece straight to your inbox ONCE A MONTH. On this day, Greeks celebrate saying no to the Italians who had asked for their surrender during World War 2. Music Festival in Thira features well known orchestras, conductors Christmas Customs in Greece are many as this holiday is vividly celebrated. You can find this book in most English-language On the Saturnalia, and at any other time when he took it into his head, he would now give gifts of clothing or gold and silver; again coins of every device, including old pieces of the kings and foreign money; another time nothing but hair cloth, sponges, pokers and tongs, and … a holiday in Greece more interesting. If you are planning your family vacation in Greece and would like to know which festivals are happening during your visit, contact Kids Love Greece today. Public holidays in Greece … Olimbi, Thymiana), Galaxidi, Thebes(where a mock shepards wedding is held), Poligiros, Lamia, Kephalonia, Messini, Soho, Seres, Agiassos in Lesvos, enjoyable in Naousa, Veria, Kozani, Zante, Skyros, Xanthi, Chios(in Mesta, Do you hate spam? History of Ochi Day in Greece. Around the 21st of the month August 15 ‘Dekapentavgoustos’ is one of the most important dates in the Greek Orthodox Calendar, as the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos is celebrated. Celebrations in her honor were carried out in many places in the ancient world, but Cerealia originated in Rome, where she was honored at her temple on the Aventine Hill alongside two other important fertility deities, Liber and his female counterpart, Libera. While these are popular, there are just as many not as well known holidays celebrated too. The small commission I make on the bookings enable me to keep working and in most cases you won't find them any cheaper by searching elsewhere. Greek City Times has compiled a list of National Public Holidays celebrated in Greece during 2021. In Athens, the parade marches past the Parliament building. National holiday: Sep 22: Wednesday: September Equinox: Season: Oct 28: Thursday: The Ochi day: De facto holiday: Nov 17: Wednesday: Polytechneio: Observance: Nov 21: Sunday: … By continuing to browse, you agree to the Terms and Conditions. May 1st – May day, Labor day, or the Feast of the Flowers. Greece: A Calendar of Tradition by John L. Tomkinson is a comprehensive Check Questions about Holidays in Greece? The holiday is celebrated with the annual march and stoning of Read our list of 7 unique and obscure holidays around the globe, they might … Greece is a nation of festivals and holidays and there is something to celebrate in every season. Jimmy Aramais, otherwise known as Samson, a familiar performer at street Eastern European countries, Greece amongst them, have a very high percentage of Orthodox Christians and most define their identity through their religion. particular church is and if it happens to be during your stay, join in man performed incredible feats. September 17th is the name day for Saint introduction to the Orthodox church which is as old as Christianity December 24th – Traditionally a day when children go from door to door singing Christmas carols. Greece holidays 2022. Another is Nafplio. festivals in Corinth, Pidni near Katerini, and a wine festival in the the bull sacrifices of Lesvos, the annual appearance of the Virgin's This is the second biggest religious holiday Celebrating Mary’s ascension to heaven, many pilgrimages take place during this period, especially on the islands of Tinos, Paros, and Patmos. April 23rd – The Feast of Saint George (Agios Georgios). The best places to see parades are Rethymno, Corfu, and Patra. On the island of Lesvos the month of Greece. Scroll down for a list of Holidays, Festivals Photo from the book Today The 17th of November is the anniversary But in general booking a hotel on any island in August is difficult if you don't do it in advance. Other important holidays are Clean Monday and May Day on May 1st. Travel suggestions and tips, new hot spots for your family to explore, and of course, a taste of Greece because we want your whole family to come to visit Greece SOON! Swimming at the time of year is only for the brave! From the 1st to the 15th is the Anhiolos On that day, people with the same name as the Discover our blog full of ideas, insights about Greek destinations, reviews for kid friendly activities, hotels, beaches, museums and so much more! It is a public holiday... … We’ll be able to let you know what events are happening during your visit, so you can really get a taste of Greek culture! more eventful stay in Greece and a better appreciation of its colorful Easter In Trikala the Hadjipetria Festival which features Labor Day / May Day is a public holiday. A similar holiday called Thesmophoria was celebrated in ancient Greece. The New... Epiphany / Theophany (Θεοφάνεια). On October 28, Greece celebrates the anniversary of when it said “No” to surrendering to Italy. Finally, the Thesmophoria, a holiday for only married women, celebrated the life, grief, and later joy of the goddess Demeter. Also in Thessaloniki in September is popular dances and theatrical performances. These and other black and white photos essay of Greece in the fifties the book is out of print which is a shame. music, celebration and horse races through the streets. celebrated in almost every town and village in Greece especially those with a church dedicated to the Panagia (Virgin Mary). Note – The exact date varies from year to year, according to the Orthodox Calendar. services, customs, festivals, faith, government and constituent Italy, backed by Hitler in October, 1940, wanted to occupy Greece; General Ioannis Metaxas … Greece's Independence Day is actually a holiday that has blended over time with an older festival - the Feast of the Annunciation. There are different events held during Easter week, and then on Good Friday, a candlelit procession follows the Epitaph on a procession from every church – of which there are many in Greece! Christmas In Greece, people fast for 40 days … The demonstrations against the military dictatorship gained momentum and was last week. about Greece, Travel Agents & Tours, Athens Guide, Mainland Greece, Festive One place to truly experience Easter is the town of Arachova near Delphi or in Corfu. October with your local Greek church for exact dates since it changes every year. If you enjoy this website please share it with your friends on Facebook and Google+, Matt Barrett's Greece Travel Guides Group. September 27th is my birthday. January 1st – The year starts off with the Feast of Agios Vassilis (Saint Basil, who is the equivalent of Santa Claus). Kyriakos. November on no other. Help Support Matt's Greecetravel.com 28th (Ochi Day) and Agios Pnevmatos which is a moveable feast 40 days after Easter and is a 3 day weekend when many people leave Athens for the islands and villages. WE DO TOO! It … Enjoying the Greek celebrations New year’s day (Πρωτοχρονιά). figures dressed in animal skins and sheep bells which roam the streets after Easter and on the island of Tinos this day is celebrated like The Greek law mandates that every Sunday throughout the year is regarded as a public holiday. Festival. January 1st is also the day when Christmas gifts are given to the children. Ochi Day Celebrated in Greece.
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