How it is celebrated in Crete
Easter is the most important religious festival of the year in Greece.
Most Greeks go to their hometowns because Easter is also an occasion for family get-togethers.
What happens in Holy Week?
Holy Thursday
In the late afternoon, the Christ icon is decorated and a service is held.
Good Friday
The symbol of the grave, the "Epitafios", is carried in a procession through the community in the evening. The believers carry candles and say prayers.
Holy Saturday
Around 23:00 h the resurrection service – in Greek “anastasis” – takes place. All visitors come to the church with candles. Around 24:00 h the priest lights the candle of a believer with the Holy Light, who passes on this flame.
The highlight of the Anastasis is the fireworks at midnight. Everyone goes home with lit candles and eats the typical “majeritsa soup” (Easter lamb soup) and red-colored eggs.
Easter Sunday
While eating on Easter Vigil is a family affair, Easter Sunday is celebrated outdoors with friends. In the morning, charcoal fires are lit everywhere and thousands of spring lambs are roasted on a spit.
