5 Amazing Festivals in Greece You Shouldn’t Miss

Greece is a wonderful place for travelers who want to experience ancient sights, amazing views and active cultural life. From the historic Acropolis in Athens to the lovely white villages of Santorini, Greece has many places to explore. Greece Tour Packages give visitors a hassle-free way to enjoy the country’s different activities such as historical visits, exploring islands and trying local culture. One of the top reasons to visit is for Greece’s festivals which share its important traditions, music, dance and tasty foods. Because these religiously based celebrations are connected to the Greek Orthodox calendar or have historical origins, they gather people and make it possible for travelers to live as Greeks do. With this, we have chosen five wonderful festivals that truly show what Greek culture is all about, so any visitor should try to attend these events.

Here Are the Amazing Festivals in Greece

1. Greek Orthodox Easter (Pascha)

The country’s traditions and people celebrate Easter or Pascha, with great respect and happiness as the most important religious holiday. Often celebrated in April or May, this festival remembers Jesus Christ’s resurrection and is very important for the Greek Orthodox Church. A solemn atmosphere comes across during Holy Week with plenty of processions, church services and special rituals. On this day, the Epitaphios parades which are intended to show Christ’s burial, feature candlelit walks through different places. Isn’t it wonderful how the midnight Resurrection service on Holy Saturday is lit up by ringing bells and the chanting of “Christ is Risen” around the churches? Easter Sunday is a day of eating, as families have roasted lamb, dye their eggs red and make tsoureki bread. One of the most notable parts of Corfu’s Easter is when local people throw clay pots from their balconies as a symbol of new life. Visiting Pascha in Greece gives a unique view of the country’s religious and community life, reason enough for anyone interested in culture.

2. Athens and Epidaurus Festival

Taking place from June to August, the Athens and Epidaurus Festival is one of the best known for its performances in art, music and theater which happen in the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. For several months, famous artists from all over the world play classical works and new dramas, opera and ballet. Because of its perfect acoustics, the open-air Theatre of Epidaurus which is also a UNESCO site, lets people hear shows just as the ancient Greeks did. The festival mixes age-old plays with modern performances. Guests can spend cozy evenings under the stars, taking in the sights of the iconic ruins of Greece which is a unique must-do for art and history fans.

3. Feast of the Assumption (Dormition of Theotokos)

On August 15th, Greeks celebrate the Feast of the Assumption which commemorates the Mother of Jesus’ ascending to heaven. Many call it the “summer’s Easter,” because this holiday makes villages and islands into cheerful festival sites. Tinos Island is well known because it draws many pilgrims to the Church of Panagia Evangelistria for its celebrations and parades. Music, dancing and meals full of souvlaki and baklava make Greek communities lively and exciting. The summer beauty of Greece and the joy around the festivities make now the best time to see the strong spirit of the locals. People can come along and take part in the festivities by eating, drinking and dancing alongside the local residents until long after nightfall.

4. Ohi Day

Ohi Day which is celebrated on October 28th, honors Greece’s decision in 1940 not to surrender to the Axis powers, showing the country’s strength and pride. In Thessaloniki and Athens, there are big parades featuring people from the military, marching bands and citizens talling flags. Throughout the day, the streets are decorated with many Greek flags and selling cotton candy and souvenirs creates a cheerful mood. Government-owned archaeological sites and museums are free for tourists to visit, so they can free find attractions like the Acropolis or Delphi. Ohi Day is a strong way to show Greek pride, by bringing together its past with its present and it’s perfect for anyone looking into the country’s wartime background.

5. Aegina Fistiki Festival

In the month of September, the Fistiki Festival is held on Aegina to praise the pistachios which are highly important to the island’s economy and culture. You can enjoy live Greek tunes, watch impressive traditional dances and buy various pistachio-based goods at the stalls. Guests are able to taste standard fare, see where local pistachios are grown and feel the energy at the festival everyone gathers for. Taking place on Aegina Island, close to Athens, the Fistiki Festival brings together good food and traditional culture for people interested in Greek life.

Conclusion

Travelers to Greece can experience the festivals which highlight religion, history and the sense of community in the country. Through the serene joy of Orthodox Easter and the dazzling arts of the Athens and Epidaurus Festival, visitors get to see the true glory of Greece’s culture. Each of these celebrations, Ohi Day, the Feast of the Assumption or Aegina’s Fistiki Festival, is sure to give you memories that you’ll never forget. You can find the best Greece Holiday Packages, since they combine the opportunity to visit festivals, ancient ruins, islands and local food. Plan your visit today and enjoy the lively atmosphere at the festivals which reveal Greece’s rich traditions and happiness.