Visitgreece.gr is the official tourism web site for Greece, run by the Greek National Tourism Organisation, where you'll find information on the main tourist destinations, such as cities, beaches, as well as activities, events and much more! In the table below, you will find the details of the holidays and when they are observed. Please check with event organizers for details. Throughout Greece, numerous rituals are performed to keep these hobgoblins away. Public holidays and school vacations are key to predicting crowds and are used in all our prediction models. Let’s try to recreate this atmosphere by taking a short trip to some of the places where age-old Christmas customs still survive: Be aware of the hobgoblins: Greece’s hobgoblins are called “kallikantzari”, friendly but troublesome little creatures who look like elves; they surface on Earth only during the 12-day period from Christmas to the Epiphany (January 6). Read about Orthodox Christmas around the world in 2022. Greece - Public Holidays in 2020. It became an official holiday in 350 AD. Signup here to get started.. Have the meal of brotherhood in Tinos: A custom that takes place every year on the 25th of December. The celebrations are accompanied by the sweet melodies of the Epiphany carols sung by children. Christmas Log: The custom of decorating the Christmas tree was introduced to Greeks during the rule of King Otto in 1833 when a tree at the Royal Palace was decorated for the populace to … Basil), … Find out why, and explore the rest of the list here. Also allowed to operate as of … Please check at least one of the boxes. Services are held, but many Greeks don’t celebrate the day in any particular way. Christmas Day began on the 25th of December 1 BC when Jesus Christ was born. The Orthodox Church recognises January 7th as the day that Jesus was born. While on Earth, they love to hide in people's houses slipping down the chimney. Attend customs influenced by ancient ceremonies held in honour of Demeter: The re-enactment of a local wedding ceremony takes place in the village of Volakas, in Drama, on the 8th of January, a day also dedicated to the midwives. At present, if it is negative they are free to enter Greece … Now, you can directly access this detailed information by simply scrolling down. In this mosaic of Christmas sensations, holiday experiences are rendered even more colourful by the deep blue of our seas, the green forest of our mountains, the red coral of our sunsets, and the rich violet of our night sky. We also have daily crowd predictions for Athens, … Children, open your presents on New Year's Day: On the 1st of January children in Greece receive their presents; this day is also dedicated to St. December 11, 2020 CORONAVIRUS, Economy, FEATURED 1 Comment Most retail shops will remain closed over the Christmas season but hairdressers and bookshops will open under strict safety rules, Greek authorities announced on Friday morning. However, having a laid back pace doesn’t mean you have to compromise on family activities! Christmas holidays in Greece Tweet Celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Greece is like finding yourself in an expressionist work of art : decorated Christmas trees, shiny bright ornaments, and “karavakia” (small Christmas ships) decked with blue and white lights illuminate our streets; harmonious bells and children’s carols echo through our cities and villages. The Christmas season in Athens kicks off on December 6 for the feast day of St. Nicholas, and continues until Epiphany on January 6. Traditionally, New Year is when Agios Vasilis (St. Celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Greece is like finding yourself in an expressionist work of art: decorated Christmas trees, shiny bright ornaments, and “karavakia” (small Christmas ships) decked with blue and white lights illuminate our streets; harmonious bells and children’s carols echo through our cities and villages. Our 2020 list of Christmas lights in the Rochester area: Includes Greece, Henrietta, Gates, Hamlin, Irondequoit, Pittsford, Fairport, the City of Rochester, Victor, Farmington, Penfield, Webster, Williamson, Ontario, Nunda, and more! Traditional culinary delights symbolise good luck in the New Year and adorn our white-clothed tables. National holiday: Sep 22: Wednesday: September Equinox: Season: Oct 28: Thursday: The Ochi day: De facto holiday: Nov 17: Wednesday: Polytechneio: Observance: Nov 21: Sunday: Armed Forces Day: Observance: Dec 21: Tuesday: December Solstice: Season: Dec 25: Saturday: Christmas Day: National holiday: Dec 26: Sunday: Synaxis of the Mother of God: De facto holiday The government as of December 14 softened a few of Greece’s Covid-19 lockdown restrictions for the Christmas and new year holidays.. No holidays shown? However, due to the miracle of Christ's birth, they find the earth's tree trunk completely restored, so they start their mission to destroy it all over again. If you want to be part of this feast, you have to disguise yourself and wear scary masks in order to ward off evil spirits. Gov’t to announce measures for Christmas holidays, retail stores and churches December 8, 2020 CORONAVIRUS 1 Comment 3,984 Views Greece’s government spokesman said on Tuesday that the final decisions on lockdown restrictions and their partial lifting over the holidays of Christmas and the New Year will be announced on upcoming Friday. Corfu’s a lush, green paradise, while Rhodes comes up trumps in the sun stakes, and Kefalonia’s all about picture-perfect scenery. Greece racks up a tonne of crowd-free destinations. If you have suggestions for other places to go to see holiday lights (or if you have some yourself that you'd like listed), please email Debra Ross at … Wed March 25, 2020. Wed January 01, 2020. Santorini, Mykonos and Skiathos have all put a cosmopolitan gloss on the classic Greek combination of sun, sea and sand, while Kefalonia and Skopelos offer up beautiful beaches and laid-back towns. That's because you didn't select any holiday types. Greece is one of the most visited countries in the world, welcoming close to 20 million visitors each year. During a symbolic meal, which only the men of the village and the priest attend, friendship and solidarity are praised. Go from house to house, from village to village, and ask people to reward you for protecting them from evil entities. Thassos, Paros and Samos like to stay out of the spotlight – the beaches here are footprint-free and cypress trees are the only high … Events and observations associated with the holidays we list may be canceled or otherwise affected due to measures taken to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. In the village of Agios Panteleimonas in Florina, on the 23rd of December, the locals divide into groups and light bonfires at midnight. Being extremely naughty, the “kallikantzari” do things to frighten people, like overturning furniture, devouring Christmas foods, or contaminating the water. Whoever finds the cross returns it to the priest, who then delivers a special blessing to the swimmer and their household. Greece holidays are all about island life. The country is home to a number of exclusive resorts on its mainland and its dozens of secluded islands on the Aegean Sea. If 25 December falls on a weekend, then a nearby weekday may be taken as a holiday in lieu. Basil's Pie (Vassilopita) and find out if you are going to be lucky: A special cake is eaten on New Year’s Day in which a lucky coin, the “flouri”, is baked. New Year's Day Wednesday January 01, 2020. On the Eve of this day, the priest will visit houses and sprinkle holy water to bless them and the family members. Independence Day Wednesday March 25, 2020. Retailers are allowed to open only for consumers to physically pick up merchandise they ordered online or by telephone through the new “click-away” system. Mon January 06, 2020. Epiphany Monday January 06, 2020. A Santa Claus stands outside a Christmas decoration shop, in central Athens, on Monday, Dec. 7, 2020. Both “kremmida” and pomegranate carry heavy symbolic meanings from ancient times representing prosperity, abundance in the family, and also bring good luck to one's descendants. While “fighting malevolent spirits” eat, drink, dance and sing to the rhythm of traditional tunes as the folk musicians fill the city’s streets accompanied by the locals. A specially decorated bread also adorns the festive table; it is called “Vasilopsomo” (St. It’s time for the “kallikantzari” to leave the surface of the Earth: The Greek Christmas celebrations conclude with the festival of “Ta Phota” (the Lights) as Epiphany is called, a feast as important as the baptism of Christ. An impressive custom follows: any number of volunteers may dive and try to recover the cross. Zante and Kos rule the 24-hour party scene. Book early for … Greece has a total of 24 holidays in 2020. Before you start searching for your lucky coin, the head of the house must first cross the cake with his knife and then cut the first slice for God, then the next for the baby Christ, followed by the “Panayia” (Virgin Mary), then the next slice for the house and after a slice for each member of the family starting with the eldest. Scroll down for 2020 public holidays in Greece. Greece Public Holidays These dates may be modified as official changes are announced, so please check back regularly for updates or sign up for … From Athens, you can also take a cruise to nearby islands, go skiing on Mount Parnassos, or make short –yet memorable– trips around the mainland to Delphi, Meteora or Nafplio. You can always be a passionate city lover: In the midst of the mild Athenian winter, immerse yourself in open-air celebrations: free concerts in Syntagma Square, and dancing in the ouzeries and tavernas in Plaka and Psiri; light up your nights: all the clubs put on rembetika (urban music), laika (mainstream popular music) and jazz/blues/rock shows; shop your heart out in Ermou, Monastiraki, or Kolonaki listening to the music played by the street musicians; or just stroll around archaeological sites and relax relishing a fine meal outdoors. The February Full Moon is named after the snow on the ground. In some places mothers sprinkle holy water in every room of the house to scare the “kallikantzari” away. In the warm atmosphere of a Greek family, you will witness rituals for good luck: The so-called “podariko” (first footing), the hanging of the “kremmida” (big onion) outside the door, and the “breaking of the pomegranate” are the most characteristic. In Greece, political spat over lockdown turns personal Greece’s prime minister and his main political rival are involved in a spat over competing claims that they broke the spirit of … Mon March 02, 2020. Everyone dances and celebrates Christmas around these mesmerizing outdoor fires. Churches large and small, are magnificently lit and echo with the joyful melodies of bells. So there’s a whole month of festivities to enjoy. While Greece will still be under a strict lockdown for the holidays, with a 10 PM to 5 AM curfew in effect, Greek citizens will be able to celebrate together in … All content included on this site consists intellectual property of GNTO and you are not allowed to reproduce the whole or part of this work in any way. Basil. Churches will open for the faithful only twice on December 25th and January 6th. Valentine’s Day is a special time to celebrate love, romance and friendship. Some Native American tribes named this the Hunger Moon, others called it the Storm Moon. The next morning the father or the mother of the family wake up their children by gently tapping them on the head with the “kremmida”, then they all go to church to attend the liturgy held in commemoration of St. On this day, over two billion people (over a third of the world's population) will celebrate the birth of Christ. To predict crowds, Avoid-Crowds.com gathers lots of tourist data from around the world. During this celebration, an icon of Christ is venerated in a warm atmosphere of Christmas hymns and gentle candlelight. This service is known as “agiasmos”: this is also the name of the holy water which Greeks keep with the family icons. If you find the “flouri” in your piece of cake good luck will follow all the forthcoming year. The next day is dedicated to the great feast of St. John the Baptist, when the numerous Johns, Joans or Joannas celebrate their name day. Christmas Day celebrates the Nativity of Jesus which according to tradition took place on December 25th 1 BC. During the ceremony, a cross is thrown in the waters –sea, lakes or rivers– in a ritual that revolves around the Great Blessing of the Waters. Savour a piece of St. The nationwide night curfew from 10pm-5am will continue to apply until. Christmas in the UK isn't for everyone, so for those looking to jet off for a sunny holiday, Express.co.uk has gathered together a list of the best options for 2020. Don’t attempt to put off these fires: In Kranohori village, on Christmas Eve huge pyramid shaped bonfires are lit, called “boubounes”. Santa and his reindeer will be waiting for children to pose with for photos; cheeky hobgoblins will guide them through Earth’s Christmas forest, while a visit to the zoo will fill the whole family with excitement! Take a swig of the local wine and enjoy traditional delicacies. According to the Greek legend, these creatures’ origin is the centre of the earth, where their mission is to chop at a huge tree trunk symbolising the earth's foundations. It became an official holiday in 350 AD. Greece Holidays. Elsewhere in the world, Christmas is … The “kallikantzari” disappear on the day of Epiphany when all the waters are blessed, and they return to the earth’s core. National holiday: Sep 22: Tuesday: September Equinox: Season: Oct 28: Wednesday: The Ochi day: De facto holiday: Nov 17: Tuesday: Polytechneio: Observance: Nov 21: Saturday: Armed Forces Day: Observance: Dec 21: Monday: December Solstice: Season: Dec 25: Friday: Christmas Day On this page you can find the calendar of all 2020 public holidays for Greece. Basil because he is Father Christmas, and everyone called Vassilis (boy's name) or Vassiliki (girl's name) celebrates his/her name day. For information please contact: info@visitgreece.gr. Throughout Greece the Epiphany is celebrated in Byzantine splendour and religious awe. GNTO © 2021. Christmas 2020 falls on Friday, December 25. Christmas Covid-19 Rules in Greece – Here’s what you need to know: No more than nine people (from two households) should gather in the same house, in order to avoid overcrowding. Sunday June 7- Saturday June 8th (2020): Pentecost & Monday of the Holy Spirit (public holiday) Fifty days after Easter Sunday, Pentecost celebrates the Holy Spirit appearing before the apostles, an event known as the birth of the Christian Church. On New Year's Day, Greeks break a pomegranate on the doorstep before entering their houses (an action which is sometimes performed by the bride in some regions of Greece when she arrives at her new home after the wedding); or they hang a “kremmida” outside their doors on New Year's Eve. Follow a Dionysiac rite: In Kastoria, people recreate a three-day Dionyssian custom (6th-8th January), called “ragoutsaria” (from the Latin verb “rogo” meaning “to ask”). Greece Public Holidays 2020 ; This page contains a national calendar of all 2020 … Greece extends key lockdown measures over Christmas holidays They must also take a rapid Covid-19 test on arrival. Privacy & Terms. While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. All Rights Reserved. Greece is in our list of this year's top 10 summer holiday destinations. Despite a significant drop in cases … Millions of Orthodox Christians around the world annually observe Good Friday to commemorate the events leading up to Jesus Christ's crucifixion. There will be no exception on Christmas or New Year’s. Greece and Italy enforce strict quarantine-on-arrival rules for Christmas and New Year holidays. Fifty years ago almost every household in Greece featured a Christmas boat at this festive time of year, and one can still see it lit up today, but mainly in island village homes. Clean Monday Monday March 02, 2020. Basil's bread), and is actually identical in form to the “Christopsomo” (Christ bread) served on Christmas Day. In others, like the island of Cephalonia (or Kefalonia), women burn incense at the front door of their houses making the sign of the cross in order to repel these undesirable “guests”. How many days until Christmas 2020? If you find an error, please let us know. Crete’s the biggest of the bunch, and home to some of the most famous archaeological attractions outside Athens. All the information display below is also available via our API as well as downloadable as a csv. I have teamed up with TUI, who have their best ever selection of family holidays in Greece, including waterpark holidays and luxury properties, as well as 10 and 11 night stays in Zakynthos and Rhodes.There are more properties added to firm favourites such as Holiday Villages, … Christmas 2020 in Greece When Is Christmas 2020? In some larger churches a pair of doves are released from the bell tower. 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