Greece

Greece : Public Holidays and Bank Holidays 2025 2026 2027

Public Holidays in Greece

Greece has a rich tradition of public holidays that reflect its cultural heritage, religious practices, and significant historical events. Many holidays are linked to the Greek Orthodox Church, while others commemorate national achievements and important moments in Greek history. These days are marked by various celebrations, religious ceremonies, and community activities throughout the country.

• New Year's Day (January 1st)

  • Marks the beginning of the calendar year.
  • Celebrated with family gatherings and the cutting of the Vasilopita (New Year's cake).
  • It is a public holiday with official closures.

• Epiphany (January 6th)

  • Also known as Theophany, commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ.
  • Celebrations include a blessing of the waters, often at sea or local rivers.
  • People dive to retrieve a cross thrown by a priest.

• Green Monday (Clean Monday)

  • Marks the beginning of Lent before Easter.
  • Traditionally observed with outdoor picnics, fasting from meat, dairy, and eggs.
  • It is a movable feast related to Easter, celebrated with kite flying and special foods.

• Independence Day (March 25th)

  • Commemorates Greece's declaration of independence from Ottoman rule in 1821.
  • Marked by military parades, patriotic events, and church services.
  • A national holiday observed widely across Greece.

• Good Friday

  • Observed during Holy Week before Easter Sunday.
  • A solemn day commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
  • Includes church services, processions, and fasting.

• Easter Monday

  • Celebrated the day after Orthodox Easter Sunday.
  • A public holiday with family gatherings and feasting.
  • Marks the continuation of Easter celebrations.

• Labor Day (May 1st)

  • International Workers' Day.
  • Recognized with demonstrations, celebrations of workers’ rights.
  • Public holiday with official closures.

• Whit Monday (Pentecost Monday)

  • Celebrated 50 days after Easter.
  • Marks the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles.
  • Public holiday with various religious and cultural events.

• Dormition of the Mother of God (August 15th)

  • Major religious feast commemorating the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
  • Marked by church services, pilgrimages, and festivals.
  • One of the most important holidays in Greece.

• Ochi Day (October 28th)

  • Commemorates Greece's refusal to surrender to Axis powers in 1940.
  • National pride celebrated with parades and ceremonies.
  • Official public holiday.

• Christmas Day (December 25th)

  • Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
  • Family gatherings, church services, and festive meals.
  • Public holiday with widespread observance.

• Glorifying Mother of God

  • Generally recognized in relation to various Orthodox celebrations of the Virgin Mary.
  • Includes religious services and traditions honoring the Mother of God.
  • Part of the Greek Orthodox liturgical calendar.

Site officiel de référence

• Greek Government Official Portal