National HolidaysNote that most businesses and shops close down for the afternoon before and the morning after a religious holiday. If a national holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is often observed.
The Greek Orthodox Easter is usually a week before or after the Roman Easter. In Greece, Easter is as important as Christmas and New Year’s; a time when far-flung relatives return to see their families back home. It is often a good time of year to visit; for the atmosphere, feasts and fireworks.
After Easter and May Day (May 1st), spring has officially arrived, and with it the tourist season begins with gusto. It’s also worth remembering that the main celebrating often occurs the night before the saint’s day.
1 January: New Year’s Day or "Protochronia", and also Agios Vassilis Day (Greek Father Chistmas).
6 January: Epiphany or "Ta Fota", i.e. the Lights, or "Ta Theofania", i.e. "the Showing of God."
Late February or early March: “Clean Monday” or "Kathari Deftera" (precedes Shrove Tuesday and follows a three-week carnival).
25 March: Annunciation and also Greek Independence Day or "Evangelismos."
Late March or early April: Good Friday or "Megali Paraskevi", Easter Sunday or "Pasha" and Easter Monday or "Theftera tou Pascha."
1 May: May Day and Labor Day or "Protomaya."
50 days after Easter: Pentecost (Whit Monday) or "Pentikosti."
15 August: Assumption of the Virgin or "Koimisis tis Theotokou."
28 October: “Ohi Day” or No! Day in celebration of Greek Prime Minister Metaxas refusal to succumb to Mussolinis expansionist moves in 1940.
25 December: Christmas or "Christouyena."
26 December: Gathering of the Virgin or "Synaxi Theotokou."
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