Where to spend Easter in Greece

13 April 2014 / 14:04:13 GRReporter

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Pictures: www.clickatlife.gr

Easter is one of the biggest Christian holidays, and a good opportunity to escape from everyday life.

clickatlife.gr offers four places to spend the holidays and to experience unique moments without spending too much money.

Santorini

The magical island is a unique place with breath-taking views over Imerovigli and Oia.

The custom of Lazarus

On Saturday on St. Lazar's Day, residents of various villages, including Megalohori, revive the custom of "Lazarus" each year – in the centre of the square, they make a huge cross wrapped in rosemary which symbolizes the resurrection of Lazarus. According to the custom, the cross will remain there until Holy Saturday.

Liturgy in Pyrgos

Solemnity prevails on Good Friday in the village of Pyrgos. From early morning, young and old go out in the streets with tin lamps. When it starts to get dark, they light these lamps during the procession and the village seems as if it is “dipped” into flames. This is truly the most spectacular Easter custom on Santorini and it is worth experiencing this magical ritual at least once.

Corfu

The biggest Christian holiday on Corfu is different because there are Western influences.

Music of Angels

While walking the streets during the holidays, you can hear exciting polyphonic church music. The harmonious singing comes from 17th century Crete.

Palm Sunday

Holiday events on Corfu begin on Palm Sunday, which locals call “Vaione”. The procession with the relics of St. Spyridon starts at 11 a.m. The litany commemorating the salvation of the island from the deadly epidemic of plague in 1629 takes place at 4:30 p.m. The procession has the longest route and passes along the imaginary line of the old Venetian walls of the city, with several stops for prayers. This is the only procession with the participation of all 18 philharmonic orchestras of the island honouring the patron saint of Corfu. After the procession, the orchestras pass through the historic city centre, playing cheerful marches.

Meteora

Give up secularism and experience an Easter in the shade of the rocks of Meteora. The place is protected by UNESCO and it is the largest monastic community after Mount Athos.

You will have a moving experience if you attend Holy Thursday at the Barlaam Monastery, which is located opposite the Great Meteor. 12 gospel excerpts tell the story of Jesus Christ’s path to Golgotha, the bells toll sadly and almost unearthly, while monks and believers participate in the divine drama, experiencing a mental and spiritual uplift.

At the monasteries of Meteora

Epitaphs are decorated modestly on Good Friday. Incense and lilac aroma fills the air. Heads bow humbly while souls ascend to heaven.

Visit one of the monasteries of Meteora at Easter, for example St. Stephen monastery. If you can deal with difficult climbs, the monastery of Rousanou will reward you more than you expect.

Mykonos

"Easter is not the same without Mykonos," say local and foreign celebrities who crowd the Isle of the Winds each year. It gathers both those who want to spend the holidays in a religious and holy atmosphere and those who want to celebrate by dancing until dawn.

Wandering Matoyani, you will see people having fun as if there was no tomorrow. You can also enjoy a cocktail in Little Venice while admiring the unique view.