Celebrating Greek Easter on Corfu island is a bit different and more extravagant than in other locations in Greece.
Easter is one of the most important holidays in the Greek Orthodox calendar, and it is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm all over Greece.
The island of Corfu, located in the Ionian Sea, is known for its unique and extravagant Easter celebrations, which attract visitors from all over the world.
Easter Saturday in Corfu – “megalo sabbato”;
The Easter celebrations in Corfu start on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday. At around 11 am, the town square of Corfu is filled with people, who gather to witness the famous “Pot Throwing” ceremony. This tradition dates back to ancient times when the Greeks used to throw old pots out of their windows to signify the coming of spring.
Today, the tradition is continued in Corfu, with people throwing ceramic pots out of their balconies onto the streets below, accompanied by loud music and cheering.
In the evening, the celebrations continue with the Resurrection Mass, which is held in the town’s main church. At midnight, the priest announces the resurrection of Christ and the church bells start ringing. The atmospheres is electric as people light candles and sing hymns and then take part in a procession around the town, carrying the Holy Light.
Easter Sunday – “Pasxa”;
On Easter Sunday, the people of Corfu take to the streets again for the biggest celebration of the year. The day starts with a traditional Easter breakfast of red eggs, tsoureki (sweet bread), and mageiritsa (a soup made with lamb offal). Then, the streets are filled with people dressed in their best clothes, carrying baskets of food and red eggs, and heading towards the town’s central square.
At noon, the highlight of the day’s festivities takes place, the “Corfu Easter Parade“. This parade is known for its unique and flamboyant costumes, which date back to the Venetian era. The costumes are handmade, and each one is unique, featuring intricate embroidery, lace, and sequins. The parade starts at the church of St. Spyridon and proceeds through the town, with marching bands, fireworks, and the tossing of even more ceramic pots.
The Easter celebrations in Corfu continue for several more days, with more parades and processions, and a sense of joy and celebration that permeates the entire island. Visitors to Corfu during Easter will not be disappointed, as they will experience a unique and unforgettable celebration that combines centuries-old traditions with a modern sense of joy and enthusiasm.
From the “Pot Throwing” ceremony to the Easter parade, the traditions and customs on Corfu island come to life in a celebration that is both joyous and moving.
If you are planning a trip to Greece, make sure to visit Corfu during Easter and witness one of the most unforgettable celebrations in the country.
More Easter Celebrations in Greece
At Omilo, we are organizing the Greek Easter Course in Nafplion, for more than 20 years.
That way you can learn Greek, while experiencing the Greek Easter Traditions. Click here for more info.
If you are interested in visiting Greece more often during Easter, then do not hesitate to also visit other places.
Click here to read about traditions that are celebrated all over Greece, and learn about some places with unique traditions
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A Greek Easter Story
Do you want to immerse yourself in the Greek language and grow your reading and listening skills?
Then the “Easy Greek Podcast Stories” might be what you are looking for.
You can listen to story 22, “A different Easter in Greece” on Spotify, Apple and Google podcasts, Youtube…
No time to check it out? Then just click now below, and listen to the YouTube version with Greek Subtitles
