Major Greek Holidays and Festivals: Cultural and Religious Calendar

Key Public Holidays and Festivals in Greece

1. New Year's Day (Jan 1): Fireworks, parties, gatherings.
2. Epiphany (Jan 6): Baptism of Christ; cross thrown into sea, retrieval brings blessing.
3. Clean Monday (Kathara Deftera): Start of Lent; kite-flying, picnics, taramosalata, seafood.
4. Independence Day (Mar 25): 1821 War of Independence start; parades, ceremonies.
5. Easter (Variable): Grand processions, services, tsoureki (sweet bread), red eggs.
6. May Day (May 1): Workers' holiday; parades, concerts.
7. Pentecost (Variable): 50 days post-Easter; Holy Spirit descent; religious/festive traditions.
8. Assumption (Aug 15): Virgin Mary's dormition; church services, Panagia festivals.
9. Ochi Day (Oct 28): 1940 rejection of Italian ultimatum; military parades.
10. Nameday Celebrations: Personal feast day per saint's name; gatherings, feasting.

These reflect Greece's Orthodox Christian heritage and national history.