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Easter in Corfu

May
01

Celebration of Easter in Corfu is part of a unique experience, and part of an extensive calendar of religious and cultural activities different from anywhere else in Greece and particularly more impressive for first-time visitors to the island.

With almost two thousand years of religious traditions in which various components all come together harmoniously, the Orthodox Christian faith, pagan traditions, the powerful presence of Saint Spiridon, the Roman Catholic community, the Venetian influence, genuine Corfiot humour, the music of the philharmonic bands and of course the spring atmosphere.

Holy Week throughout Greece is characterised by its church services, by fasting, and by the anticipation of the Resurrection. We recommend that during Holy Week you venture out of Corfu Town and into the countryside and villages to see all of the Celebrations.

Easter Vacations in Villa Alexia

This is a wonderful time to visit Corfu. The flowers in our garden will be  beautiful… If you are brave you can also swim…etc

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Highlights

Good Monday: Baking “foyátsa” (a kind of brioche decorated with a red egg), and “mandoláto” (a nobles’ favourite macaroon made of almond and honey) waft through the air.

Good Tuesday. At around 9.00 p.m., participate in the Music and Poetry Night with the theme: “From Golgotha to Resurrection” at the Peristyle of the Old Palace.

Good Wednesday. At noon the Corfiots attend the Holy Unction, then at 8.30 p.m. they fill up the Municipal Theatre to hear the Municipal Chorus singing ecclesiastical hymns of the Passion Week.

On Maundy Thursday. The Service of the Holy Passion is held in the churches. In the Duomo, the Catholic Cathedral, 12 candles are lit and put out one at a time after the reading of each of the 12 Gospels. On the same day, the ringing of the first bell means it is time for the Easter eggs to be dyed red, a custom that symbolises the rebirth of life and nature.

On Good Friday. Today, funereal bell rings will awake you. On this day, young girls decorate the Epitaphs, whose circumambulation begins early in the afternoon accompanied by choruses and bands. The last Epitaph, and the most impressive one, makes its appearance at 10.00 p.m. It is the Epitaph of Corfu Cathedral.

Easter Saturday. At the church of the Virgin Mary of Ksénon (of the strangers) the custom of the artificial earthquake re-enacts the earthquake that followed Christ’s Resurrection. People hurl clay pots from windows and balconies which crash noisily on the streets below. At night, attend the Catholic Mass of the Resurrection in Duomo, or the Orthodox Resurrection Service at “Páno Platía” (Upper Square). Visitors will find themselves surrounded by thousands of lit candles: on balconies, on window sills or held by others attending the ceremony. At night, attend the Catholic Mass of the Resurrection in Duomo, or the Orthodox Resurrection Service at “Páno Platía” (Upper Square). Visitors will find themselves surrounded by thousands of lit candles: on balconies, on window sills or held by others attending the ceremony. The Resurrection of Christ is celebrated at 12.00 sharp with drum beats and fireworks.

Easter Sunday: Festivities held throughout the island.

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Celebration of Easter in Corfu is part of a unique experience, and part of an extensive calendar of religious and cultural activities.

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