When is Greek Orthodox Easter 2021? Greek City Times answers this question.
Thursday 4th March 2021: Tsiknopempti (Τσικνοπέμπτη)
This is a special day of the year in Greece, where a large amount of meat is traditionally grilled and consumed, just before the arrival of Great Lent, marking the lead up to Pascha and also the official start of Apokries (Carnivale).
Individuals who fast for 40 days without meat during Easter lent use Tsiknopemtpi (Τσικνοπέμπτη) as a day to eat as much meat as they want, right before fasting begins.
It’s all about cuts of pork, lamb, beef, goat or any other meat of your choice and with a huge emphasis on grilling and charcoal and by far, the most common item will be some variation of souvlaki.
Saturday 6th March 2021: Psihosavato (Ψυχοσάββατο)
A day in a series of Saturdays set aside in the liturgical Greek Orthodox Calendar for the remembrance of those who have died.
On each Psihosavato a special service is held where prayers are offered in memory of those who have died and a list of the names of the dead is recited. Participants attending the services prepare kollyva, a dish made of sweetened, boiled wheat kernels, raisins, almonds, and pomegranate seeds that are traditionally associated with funerals and memorial services in Greece and Eastern Europe. In addition to attending religious services, participants often visit the graves of departed family members on Soul Saturdays, to clean and decorate the burial sites.
Monday 15th March 2021: Clean Monday (Καθαρά Δευτέρα)
Clean Monday is the first day of Great Lent in the Greek Orthodox Church. Special events and activities take place which feature plenty of music, dancing and delicious fasting food (including olives, taramasalata, Halva, legumes and lagana bread), marking the start of this special Greek Orthodox period of fasting and contemplation.
Friday 30th April 2021: Good Friday (Μεγάλη Παρασκευή)
Holy Friday is the most sacred day of Holy Week and is a day of mourning. It is the day that commemorates the Passion of Christ, with his funeral. In the evening there is a procession and the Epitaphio (tomb of Christ) is carried around the church and surrounding streets, accompanied by parishioners holding candles alight.
Sunday 2nd May 2021: Easter Sunday (Κυριακή του Πάσχα)
At midnight, The Anastasi, the Resurrection, takes place. The priest passes the Holy Flame throughout the congregation and everyone chants “Christos Anesti” (“Christ is Risen”).
Monday 3rd May 2021: Easter Monday (Δευτέρα του Πάσχα)
The Day after Easter Sunday, is Easter Monday. It is celebrated as a holiday in Christian cultures.
Greece Public Holidays 2021
