Event: Greece - Athens

Athens Holy Week

When:	25 - 28 Apr 2008 (annual)
Where:	Athens

Easter is the most important religious festival of the year in Greece. During Holy Week, church bells and hymns can be heard all over the city and the intoxicating aroma of traditional Easter food emanates from local bakeries and homes.

On Good Friday there are church services and parades, the highlight of which is the Greek Orthodox Churches' Epitaph procession and solemn candle vigil. This is especially spectacular to watch in Plaka, where the candle-holding faithful come together from neighbouring churches to create a winding path of light.

Holy Saturday, known as Anastasi, sees Athenians gather in church to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. At the stroke of midnight, the lights are extinguished, a candle is passed around the church and the congregation chant the hymn Xristos AnÃÆ'Æ'©sti, or Christ is Risen. Devotees wish each other well and the traditional mageiritsa soup is savoured by all.

Easter Sunday is a day of feasting. It is customary for many Athenians to retreat to mountain and island villages to prepare lamb on the spit, tsoureki (sweet bread loaves) and flaounes (Easter cakes). Eggs also feature, coloured red to represent Christ's blood. For those who stay in Athens, urban restaurants offer a modern take on the traditional Easter menu.

Greek Orthodox Easter does not always fall on the same Sunday as the Catholic and Protestant festival as it is calculated using a different calendar.