Today the Greek Orthodox Church remembers the miracle of Saint Theodore the Tyro and Kolyva (boiled wheat).
Tag: Greek traditions
Tsiknopempti is the day Greece smells like grilled meat from corner to corner. From street barbecues to family feasts, here’s why this smoky Carnival tradition brings the country together — and how it’s celebrated today.
Join the free Tsiknopempti 2026 celebrations in Athens today! Enjoy grilled meat feast at Varvakeios, live music, traditional dances, and Carnival procession from Syntagma Square. Don’t miss the smoky Thursday fun in the city center
Athens Carnival (Apokries) 2026 returns with 65 free events across 50 locations from February 12–23. Enjoy parades, live music, children’s activities, traditional customs and the grand finale on Clean Monday with kite flying on Filopappos Hill
In Greek Orthodox tradition, nearly every day of the year honours a saint or martyr. When someone is named after that saint, their “name day” is celebrated with the same joy as a birthday, often bringing together family, friends, and community in a cherished cultural tradition.
Discover when Triodion begins in 2026 (Feb 1), key dates like Tsiknopempti (Feb 12) and Clean Monday (Feb 23), plus Easter on April 12 — a rare unified celebration with rich Greek Carnival and Lenten traditions.
Greek wedding traditions blend faith, family, and celebration, from stefana crowns and koufeta to regional rituals passed down through generations.
The Holy Theophany, also known as the Epiphany, the Celebration of the Lights, or ta Fota (the Lights), is held on January 6 and is one of the most sacred and holiest Feast Days in the Greek Orthodox Calendar.
The Epiphany is one of the most sacred Greek Orthodox celebrations that dates back to ancient times.
In the heart of winter, as temperatures in Western Macedonia often drop well below freezing,…
As Greece welcomes 2026, children sing timeless kalanta door-to-door, honoring Agios Vasileios with ancient melodies wishing health, prosperity, and joy—beginning with the classic lines: “Αρχιμηνιά κι αρχιχρονιά, ψηλή μου δεντρολιβανιά…”
At midnight or on New Year’s morning, the “lucky” first-footer smashes a pomegranate against the doorstep—the more seeds that scatter, the more luck, health, and prosperity the household will enjoy in the new year. Families then cut the Vasilopita, hunting for the hidden coin that brings blessings to its finder.
On December 22nd, the Greek Orthodox Church commemorates Agia Anastasia Pharmakolitria, Saint Protector of poison…
The largest and probably the most famous church on the island is located in the capital of Zakynthos. The church of St. Dionysus, the patron saint of Zakynthos, together with the tall white bell tower, forms a beautiful landmark of the harbour. The current appearance of the church dates back to the mid-20th century.
Greek Presidential Guard anniversary celebrates 157 years as Evzones host President Tasoulas for traditional luncheon in Athens.
Roussanou Nunnery, dedicated to Saint Barbara, is one of the most distinctive monasteries of Meteora. Built atop a steep rock, between Kastraki and the other monasteries, it impresses not only with its dramatic location but also with its unique character as a women’s monastery devoted to service and hospitality.
On November 26, the Greek Orthodox Church commemorates the Feast Day of Agios Stylianos, the…
On November 14 the Greek Orthodox Church commemorates the Feast Day of Agios Filipos the…
On November 9, the Greek Orthodox Church commemorates Agios Nektarios the Wonderworker of Aegina. He…
Greece has enriched its National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage with 11 new elements, as announced by the Ministry of Culture, aligning with UNESCO’s 2003 Convention. From the festive bonfires of Kedara in Imathia to the intricate Tsakonika kilim weaving in Arcadia and the vibrant Mpampindent festival in Drama, these traditions highlight the diverse cultural fabric of Greek communities. Culture Minister Lina Mendoni emphasized their role in preserving collective memory and fostering intergenerational exchange, ensuring Greece’s living heritage thrives.
GCT Exclusive: Ifigenia Theodoropoulou is the chemist who is transforming nostalgia into art, creating candles and cosmetics that carry the essence of home across oceans
Discover how Greece celebrates August 15, the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, with vibrant church festivals, ancient traditions, and island panigyria in the heart of summer.
Discover The Greek Podyssey, a podcast celebrating Greek culture, diaspora stories, and Hellenic identity worldwide. Join hosts Christine and Nikos!
Over 3,000 Greek Americans filled Boston’s Fenway Park for the 8th annual Greek Heritage Night, hosted by the Alpha Omega Council in partnership with the Boston Red Sox. The evening honored Red Sox legend Harry Agganis, “The Golden Greek,” who was posthumously inducted into the Marines Sports Hall of Fame—becoming the first Greek-American to receive the distinction. The event celebrated Hellenic culture with traditional dance, community tributes, and a shared spirit of pride and philanthropy.
All Souls’ Saturday (Psychosavvato) in the Orthodox Christian tradition commemorates the departed faithful, particularly on the Saturdays before Meatfare Sunday and Pentecost. These days involve memorial services, cemetery visits, sharing kollyva, and giving alms, all in hopes of the departed’s resurrection and God’s mercy.
The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) welcomed His Excellency Mr. George Neonakis, Consul of Greece…
Rita Wilson’s heartfelt account of Greek Easter has become a cherished story in Greek communities worldwide. Originally published in 2012, her vivid reflections on family tradition, sacred rituals, and the joy of Pascha continue to inspire generations, capturing the unique spirit of the Greek Orthodox Easter experience.
Santorini’s Pyrgos village, the Good Friday Epitaphios procession dazzles with 7,000 burning tin cans illuminating the medieval streets. This 30-year tradition, known as “Flaming Good Friday,” draws crowds to witness a breathtaking blend of faith, fire, and community spirit.
Good Friday, a solemn day for Christians, marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ with mourning, fasting, and reflection. Across Greece, children sing laments, while churches hold the Service of the Unnailing and the Epitaphios procession, chanting the Encomia hymns. The day culminates in spiritual contemplation of Christ’s sacrifice and the hope of resurrection.
Red eggs are perhaps the brightest symbol of Greek Easter, representing the blood of Christ…
