Every Greek island and different areas around mainland Greece have their own customs during Easter and the Holy Week. If you truly want to feel what this week is all about, however, you need to visit Corfu. Every year it attracts thousands of people from Greece and abroad. Everyone wants to experience this great roller coaster of emotion and sentiment during Holy Week and there is no other place from which to hop on to this ride than Corfu.
The Holy Week and Easter events start on Palm Sunday.
At 11.00 in the morning, the litany of the Holy Shrine of Saint Spyridon takes place in recognition of the miraculous deliverance of the island from the spread of the deadly plague in 1629. This is the biggest Litany and follows the entire length of the Venetian city walls.
One of the big highlights of this day is the city’s Philharmonics that participate (otherwise known as the ‘Brass Bands’). It is not just one or two of these Bands, but 18 in total! Making for a spectacular musical crescendo of sights and sounds during the ceremony.
Good Monday
On Good Monday, everybody in Corfu town makes fogatsa, which is a kind of brioche. A leisurely walk through the city’s streets is enough to stimulate your taste buds. Traditional Easter cooking starts today.
Good Tuesday / Good Wednesday
Visit a city church to listen to the story of ‘Maria Magdalene’ through beautiful Byzantine Hymns.
During the Holy Week, beautiful fasting appetizers are cooked that has a special taste. Let the smell of the flavours lead you to a simple heavenly fasting table but rich in flavors.
Good Thursday
On Maundy Thursday everybody is doing the last preparations for the celebration of Easter and rehearsals of the Philharmonic Orchestras. This is the day that we dye eggs red. A custom deeply rooted in the early Christian Era. It symbolises the rebirth of life and nature and the blood of Christ.
Good Friday
Funeral bells will wake you up today. Symbolising the mourning for the death of Jesus, each church will have a slightly distinctive chime. Early in the afternoon, the processions take place in the city and in the villages, too. From 14:00 until around midnight, tens of epitaphs walk around, accompanied by philharmonic orchestras, choirs, schools, children, scouts, etc. The last procession of Corfu Cathedral starts at 22:00, and it is the most impressive of all.
The Philharmonic Society of Corfu performs Albinoni’s Adagio, the Philharmonic Society “Mantzaros” performs Verdi’s Marcia Funebre and the Philharmonic Union of Kapodistrias’ plays Mariani’s Elegia Funebre and Chopin’s Marche Funebre.
Easter Saturday in Corfu
At 6.00 a.m. at the church of the Virgin Mary of Ksénon (of the strangers), the custom of the artificial earthquake re-enacts the earthquake that followed Christ’s Resurrection.
At 11.00 a.m., the first Resurrection is announced. People say the phrase “Christós Anésti” (Christ is risen) to one another. The response is “Alithós Anésti” (he has truly risen).
Be prepared to experience a truly unique celebration: “Christós Anésti” is proclaimed against a background of loudly pealing bells and the joyful sounds of the bands as they parade through the streets. People hurl clay pots from windows and balconies which crash noisily on the streets below.
In the night, people gather in Corfu town and especially in the upper part of the Spianada Square, holding their candles and waiting for the Resurrection of Christ. The Resurrection sequence starts at 23:00 and culminates at midnight. Then, with the first ‘Christ is Risen, fireworks are launched into the sky. The Philharmonic Orchestras play cheerful melodies to celebrate the Resurrection.
The night doesn’t end here of course. After the midnight mass, families gather around their tables for a big feast with great food to cater to everyone’s taste. This consists of lamb meat, ‘Foyatsa’ bread and a specially made soup so that the stomach can begin to slowly digest the meat, after Lent.
Easter Sunday in Corfu
Today is considered a day for family gatherings, joyful music, and lots of food.
Finally, to celebrate Easter Sunday, venture out of Corfu town and into the countryside and villages to participate in all the festivities held throughout the island.
Easter time in Corfu Island is an experience worthy of living! Plan your vacation with us!
We will be happy to spend unique moments in Corfu!