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Experience a Greek Orthodox Easter in Athens
Easter is the most important period of the year in the Orthodox church. Various customs and traditions revive each year in the Greek countryside but Athens is also quite popular this season. The city has some of the most beautiful churches in Greece and provides many choices for an unforgettable weekend getaway.
On Good Tuesday visit the church of Agios Nikolaos in Plaka to hear the melodic Hymn of Kassiani. The highlight of Greek Easter is on the afternoon of Good Friday, when you will experience one of the most solemn and unique events of the week. The dressing of the epitaph (tomb of Christ) with flowers is followed by a candlelit procession throughout the streets that leads back to the church. The procession at Church of Agios Georgios in Karytsi Square is led by members of the Greek Navy and is worth your visit. After the mass, the Greeks use to head to local taverns for dinner. Be sure to make a reservation at one of the various taverns and bars in Thiseio, Psyrri, Plaka or Monastiraki. Combine fresh seafood with tsipouro and ouzo and live like a local. You can also visit some of the seafood restaurants in Pireaus port or at the Athenian Riviera. Brasil suites provides easy access to lots of restaurants in Glyfada and Voula areas.
On Holy Saturday the “Holy fire” is lit in Jerusalem and then flown into Athens to be received by the “Metohi tou Panagiou Tafou” church in Plaka . Buy an Easter candle and right before midnight head to the nearest church to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The chapel of Agios Georgios on top of Mt Lycabettus is one of the best places to experience this event, offering panoramic views to the city and the fireworks that follow. Afterwards, you can go to a restaurant and enjoy traditional dishes such as mageiritsa soup.
The holy week and the fasting period come to an end with the feast of Easter Sunday. Traditionally, lamb is cooked on a spit across the neighborhoods or at the tavernas throughout the city.
If you are searching for an opportunity to visit Greece and Athens, this period is ideal to do so. Make your booking at Brasil suites hotel in Athens and experience the Greek Orthodox Easter.
