Easter in North Greece

Are you ready for an unforgettable Easter getaway in Halkidiki or Thessaloniki?

Halkidiki, with its deep respect for Greek traditions, is a perfect destination to experience Easter. Dressed in the vibrant colors of spring, this region offers the ideal backdrop for a serene and festive Easter break.

During the Easter season, Halkidiki comes alive with unique folklore events. Experience the solemn procession of the Epitaph on the evening of Holy Friday, the joyous celebration of Christ’s resurrection at midnight on Saturday, and, of course, the lively Easter Sunday festivities. Families come together to roast lamb, dance traditional dances, and enjoy local concerts.

Just a short drive from our Beach Lodge in Ierissos, you can witness the famous “Mavronios” dance. In Arnea, young locals gather in the town square, dressed in traditional costumes, and hand out Greek sweet bread, red eggs, and pies to visitors.

On the Monday after Easter, a fun tradition called the “Kantari” takes place in Arnea’s square. People step on a hanging scale to see who ate the most over Easter! On the same day, swings are set up in the square, and women sing traditional Easter songs.

On the third day after Easter, the “Koutsamos” custom is revived. At 8 a.m., men dressed in traditional uniforms, on horseback, gather in Arnea Square and sing as they make their way to the Prophet Elias church. After the ceremony, they engage in a playful shooting competition, using red eggs as targets.

If you choose to visit Ouranoupolis, don’t miss the Epitaphios procession, which is known for its intricate decorations made of thousands of tiny flowers, beads, and pearls.

Prefer a city vibe for your Easter celebration? Thessaloniki is the place to be!

On Good Friday, we recommend joining the Epitaphios procession at one of Thessaloniki’s Byzantine churches. Agios Dimitrios, Agia Sophia, and Agioi Apostoloi (all UNESCO World Heritage sites) will immerse you in history and tradition.

P.S.: Agioi Apostoloi is just a 1-minute walk from K4.0 Studios!

Happy Easter to all!