Greece Events

Greece is a very lively country and has dozens and dozens of festivals throughout the year. Most of these festivals are tied directly to a specific religious holiday or saint. In fact, there are so many small holidays and festivals; we could not possibly list them all here. The following events are either some of the biggest that are celebrated throughout the entire country or smaller events that take place in areas of Greece where Wimco rents villas.

January 2010 Greece Events

Epiphany and the Blessing of the Waters
Religious services are held to mark the official end of the Christmas season. Thought to be the day Jesus was baptized, a priest throws a large crucifix into the water and a group of young men jump in the freezing waters to retrieve it. It is believed the one who finds the crucifix will have good luck and health for the rest of the year.

February 2010 Greece Events

Apokreas (Carnival)
Carnival season lasts for the three weeks preceding Lent’s forty days of fasting. The weeks are filled with celebrations, eating, drinking and dancing. The season comes to a head on the last day, Tyrofagis Sunday, where Carnival parades are held throughout Greece. The next day is called Clean Monday and marks the end of Apokries and is the first day of Lent. Most people celebrate this holiday outside by flying kites or having picnics.

March 2010 Greece Events

Greek National Anniversary
National holiday. Equivalent to the 4th of July in the USA. There are parades and celebrations throughout the country.

April 2010 Greece Events

Holy Week and Easter Sunday
Easter is the biggest holiday in Greece and there are many events leading up to and on Easter Sunday. Celebrations vary by the area of Greece you are in.

Feast of St George
St George is the patron Saint of shepherds, so his day is often very important and well celebrated in more rural areas of Greece. There are horse races, singing, dancing and even sheep-shearing contests.

May 2010 Greece Events

May Day (May 1)
National labor holiday. Also marks the Feast of the Flowers, which is an appreciation day for springtime and flowers. There are parades and festivities throughout Greece.

International Museums Day
Free entry to all of Greece's museums to encourage people to get out and see everything the country has to offer.

June 2010 Greece Events

Holiday of Agios Pnevmatos (Holy Spirit)
A busy 3-day weekend, similar to Memorial Day in the USA. The dates are based on when Greek Orthodox Easter falls during the year.

Navy Week
Toward the end of June, Navy Week is celebrated with entertainment in many ports throughout Greece.

July 2010 Greece Events

Sultana Raisin Festival
Wine festival on the island of Crete

Festival in the village of Pirgo Kalistis (July 20)
On the island of Santorini there is a big festival in the village of Pirgo Kalistis.

August 2010 Greece Events

The Day of the Panagia (Virgin Mary) – (August 15)
This is the second biggest religious holiday in Greece, right after Easter. It is especially huge on this island of Tinos because there is a famous miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary that crowds come to visit.

September 2010 Greece Events

International Music Festival of Santorini
Enjoy two weeks of musical performances and concerts

October 2010 Greece Events

Chestnut Festival
The small village of Elos on the island of Crete has this day to celebrate the chestnut. There is traditional local entertainment and plenty of chestnuts!