Greek Public Holidays

Greece is a country with a rich history and culture, and it is home to a variety of public holidays that reflect its traditions, religions, and values. In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive list of public holidays in Greece.

New Year’s Day – January 1st

Like most countries, Greece celebrates New Year’s Day on January 1st. It is a national holiday, and people often gather with family and friends to celebrate the start of a new year.

Epiphany – January 6th

Epiphany, also known as the Feast of the Three Kings or Theophany, is an important religious holiday in Greece. It celebrates the baptism of Jesus Christ and the revelation of the Holy Trinity. On this day, priests throw a cross into the water, and young men dive in to retrieve it, as part of a traditional blessing of the waters.

Clean Monday – The first day of Lent

Clean Monday, also known as Ash Monday, marks the beginning of Lent, the period leading up to Easter. On this day, people often fly kites and eat a variety of lenten foods, including seafood and vegetables.

Independence Day – March 25th

Greece celebrates Independence Day on March 25th, to commemorate the country’s uprising against the Ottoman Empire in 1821. It is a national holiday, and there are often parades and ceremonies held throughout the country.

Good Friday – The Friday before Easter Sunday

Good Friday is a religious holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Many people attend church services and take part in processions with religious icons.

Easter Sunday – The Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox

Easter is one of the most important holidays in Greece. It marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and it is celebrated with religious services, feasting, and the cracking of red-dyed eggs.

Labor Day – May 1st

Like many countries, Greece celebrates Labor Day (Protomagia) on May 1st. It is a national holiday, and there are often protests and demonstrations held by labor unions and workers’ rights organizations.

Assumption Day – August 15th

Assumption Day, also known as the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, is a religious holiday that celebrates the belief that the Virgin Mary was taken up to heaven after her death. Many people attend church services and participate in processions on this day.

Ohi Day – October 28th

Ohi Day, also known as “No” Day, commemorates Greece’s rejection of Italy’s demand to surrender during World War II. It is a national holiday, and there are often parades and ceremonies held throughout the country.

Christmas Day – December 25th

Finally, Greece celebrates Christmas on December 25th, like many other countries around the world. It is a national holiday, and people often gather with family and friends to exchange gifts and enjoy festive meals.

Greece is home to a diverse range of public holidays that reflect the country’s history, culture, and religious traditions. From religious holidays like Epiphany and Easter to national holidays like Independence Day and Ohi Day, these celebrations play an important role in Greek society and offer a glimpse into the country’s rich heritage.