Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
1. EPIPHANY (6 JAN)
The “Blessing of the Waters”, when ports, boats and beaches are blessed, and young
men dive for crosses cast into the water by priests; it's a year's good luck for the suc-
cessful divers.
2. APOKRIES (FEB-MAR)
The Greek Orthodox Carnival begins 58 days before Easter. Festivities, especially
glamorous masquerade parties, last for days. In Athens, the colourful celebrations
centre on Plaka, where the streets are packed with celebrants and masked musicians.
3. CLEAN MONDAY
Greeks celebrate the first day of Lent by going to the country and flying kites; in
Athens, the sky above Filopappos Hill is usually filled with them.
4. INDEPENDENCE DAY (25 MAR)
Full-on military parades with tanks, guns and battalions celebrate the date in 1821
when, after nearly 400 years of occupation, the Greek revolution successfully rose up
against the Ottoman Empire.
5. EASTER
The most important event on the Orthodox calendar, far outweighing Christmas. On
the night of Easter Friday, participants follow effigies of Jesus on flower-covered biers
in candlelit processions, concluding in midnight services and exuberant fireworks
(and, in mountain villages, rounds of gunshots). Sunday is for roasting lamb with
20-30 close family members and eating eggs dyed red (symbolizing both the blood of
Christ and rebirth).
