“Affruntata”:

It is a religious rite practiced in Catholicism in different areas of southern Italy on Easter Sunday, Monday of the Angel or Tuesday after Easter.

This rite consists in the meeting between the risen Jesus, the Madonna and Saint John the Apostle and is the apex of the Easter festivities.

It’s done in Giffone, on the stairs of the church.🤩😱

On Holy Saturday, the Church does not celebrate Mass, and it is a day of silence and waiting. During this time, the faithful contemplate the sorrow of the Virgin Mary, who remains in prayer and mourns the death of her Son, Jesus. It is a moment of deep sadness, but also of hope: Mary, even in her pain, believes in the promise of the Resurrection. In many popular traditions, this moment is marked with prayer vigils, hymns, and reflections beside the image of Our Lady of Sorrows, as we await the joy of Easter.

After finishing their song, the Lazarakia, as the carolers of the day are called, continue with verses of greeting and praise for the house and accept eggs as a tip, which they place in a decorated basket (in some areas fruit, cookies or money).Lazarus is sung mainly by school-age girls, who are called lazarines, lazaritses, lazaroudisses, etc.

In general, Lazarus Saturday takes on a joyful character, as the raising of Lazarus heralds the Resurrection of Christ.

Στην επιστροφή από την εκκλησία δεν ξεχνούν πριν μπουν στο σπίτι να σταυρώσουν το ανώφλι της εξώπορτας τρεις φορές για καλή τύχη πριν τσουγκρίσουν τα αυγά και απολαύσουν την παραδοσιακή μαγειρίτσα. Αν βρεθείτε σε κάποιο ορεινό χωριό δοκιμάστε και την τοπική «στεγνή» μαγειρίτσα με χόρτα

On the evening of Good Friday, the three bands of Corfu City accompany the Epitaphios procession—a flower-covered canopy carried by priests and/or parishioners, symbolizing the funeral of Jesus Christ—as it exits Corfu Cathedral and winds its way through the alleys of the city.

Another beloved tradition is the "pot throwing," known as Botides, which takes place at 11 a.m. on Easter Saturday. During this event, people throw old crockery from their balconies to symbolize the smashing of the old and the welcoming of the new.

on Easter Monday In Vasiliko, the custom of the equestrian procession of the icon of Saint George creates performances that come from the glorious past! Young horsemen, with flags and banners, precede the procession, with the priest and the faithful following.

In Krini, on the other hand, horses have their place of honor, as a horse race is organized, with the help of the Equestrian Club of Aigio. The race starts from the chapel of Agios Georgios and reaches the village square.

DPT OF PHILOLOGY- UNIVERSITY OF THE PELOPONNESE (CHARIKLEIA TSOURA)

Easter Tuesday-The “Trata”Dance.

In the central square of Agios Ioannis, Young women in traditional dress perform the Trata Dance-an ancient circular dance believed to honor the goddess Demeter.

Easter Monday

Boys dressed in traditional clothes, sing and dance in the streets performing the “Rousalia”(eastern carols)

They are usually prepared during Holy Week, most often on Holy Thursday or Good Friday, and are served throughout the Easter celebrations. Traditionally, women would make large batches of lalagia to offer to guests, family members, or bring them to church.Lalagia can be enjoyed plain or with toppings like honey, sugar, cinnamon, or even cheese, depending on personal taste or local custom. Today, they remain a beloved symbol of local culinary heritage, with many younger generations continuing the tradition of making them during Easter!❤️

On Easter Monday, in Chora, a swing is set up, on which boys and girls climb dressed in traditional costumes. The custom is that he or she who approaches and swings someone, pledges to marry him or her. (Dpt of Philology- University of the Peloponnese -Victoria Panagiotopoulou)

On this particular day the Epitaph, after its walking into the district, is being immersed into the waters by people who support it for the purpose of sunctifing the waters. With this custom they believe the sailor will return fro their journey safe.

In some villages and small towns, the custom of burning Judas is well known. The residents, especially children, gather wood so that either on Good Friday or the Saturday before Easter, they can burn Judas, who betrayed Jesus, in the middle of the square.

This custom dates back to the Greek War of Independence in 1821, when locals used saites as improvised weapons against the Ottomans. Today, it serves as a tribute to local history and a vital part of the city’s Easter identity.

Due to its intensity, the event is held with strict safety precautions to protect participants and spectators.

This tradition is deeply connected to the maritime heritage, which has shaped the lifestyle of the islanders. The sea in these regions symbolizes hope and life, and thus, the Resurrection is revived in this atmosphere of light and joy.

The most important moment is when the statue of Mary meets the statue of the risen Jesus. This meeting is very emotional and joyful. The people who carry the statues often walk faster or even run during this moment. There is also music, prayers, and many people watching.

It is a beautiful way to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, and it is a strong tradition in Catanzaro and other towns in Calabria.

The most important moment is when the statue of Mary meets the statue of the risen Jesus. This meeting is very emotional and joyful. The people who carry the statues often walk faster or even run during this moment. There is also music, prayers, and many people watching.

It is a beautiful way to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, and it is a strong tradition in Catanzaro and other towns in Calabria.

Gaia Rossella De Fazio

Easter (Πάσχα) in the island of Syros,is a unique experience in the entire country, as the Catholic and Orthodox Christians of the island celebrate together the holy days until the Resurrection of Christ, regardless of the time difference between the celebrations of Catholic and Orthodox Easter in the rest of the world. In this unique way, the message of the harmonious coexistence of Catholic and Orthodox faiths on the island is given.

Greece is a country rich in traditions, especially during major religious celebrations like Easter. Among the most unique customs is the Vlach Wedding, a colorful and theatrical event held in the city of Thiva (Thebes). This tradition combines elements of folklore, satire, and ancient ritual, making it one of the most distinctive cultural expressions in Central Greece.

The Vlach Wedding is typically celebrated during the Carnival season, but in some villages around Thiva, it is also revived during Easter. It is a reenactment of a traditional Vlach (Aromanian) wedding, where all roles—including the bride—are played by men dressed in traditional costumes. The procession features musicians playing folk instruments, people singing in the Vlach dialect, and dancers performing local dances. Satirical dialogues and humorous scenes are also part of the event, adding a playful tone to the celebration.

The roots of the custom are believed to date back to ancient Dionysian festivals, where fertility, renewal, and the joy of life were honored through theatrical performances, music, and dance. Over the centuries, these elements merged with Christian symbolism and local folklore, creating a custom that reflects both the region’s history and its cultural resilience.

Today, the Vlach Wedding is more than just a festive reenactment—it is a celebration of identity, heritage, and the timeless connection between people and their traditions. By preserving this unique ritual, the people of Thiva keep alive the spirit of their ancestors, while offering visitors a glimpse into a world where history, laughter, and community come together in the heart of Greek Easter.

In Kefalonia, many locals enjoy “tsilihourda” on Easter Sunday—a unique version of mageiritsa.

It’s a hearty stew made with lamb offal, tomato, rice or cracked wheat, and wild island greens. Unlike the classic version, it has no egg-lemon sauce, and it's rich in herbs and spices.

Tsilihourda reflects the island’s rustic flavors and is a beloved way to break the Lenten fast—often served with local Easter bread and a glass of Robola wine

Saitopolemos

The shuttlecock fight is a custom that was revived (until 2019) in Messinia every Easter. The shuttlecocks are made of cardboard, creating a cylinder and then filled with a mixture of gunpowder and oil, resulting in an intense flame with a loud noise.

Every Sunday at Easter in Evia, a custom is revived that has its roots in ancient times…. The elders of the village remember that in the past each neighborhood made its own hot air balloon, which was released during the holy week, groups of adults and children made balloons with colored paper glue and flour paste.

Usually, children made balloons with 4 pieces of paper, the older ones with 8, and the largest ones were made with 24 or 48 pieces of paper. The community made its own large balloon.

When the balloons were released, there was a kind of competition to see who would go the highest and farthest. Usually, the balloons had the village's insignia on them.

The “Pot Throwing”

One of the most famous Easter customs in Greece takes place in Corfu. On Holy Saturday morning, locals throw large clay pots, called “botides,” from their balconies onto the streets. The loud crashing sound symbolizes the end of the old and the beginning of something new. It is also believed to bring good luck for the year ahead. This lively tradition fills the town with excitement and joy, celebrating the Resurrection of Christ in a truly unique way.

Young girls, known as Lazarenes, dress in traditional costumes and go from house to house holding decorated baskets, singing carols for Saint Lazarus. In return, they are given eggs, sweets, or money. This symbolizes the resurrection and the coming of spring

Easter Monday – Rousalia Custom

Groups of youth, dressed in traditional clothing, walk through the neighborhoods singing and dancing. The leader holds a pole with a cross made of flowers, while another person collects donations in a decorated basket. This custom has roots in ancient fertility festivals and is revived each year in Megara.

Easter Tuesday – The Dance of the Trata

This is one of the most famous and unique traditions of Megara. On Easter Tuesday, women in traditional dress gather at the chapel of Saint John the Dancer (Ai-Giannis o Choreftaras). After the liturgy, they dance in a circle from morning until late afternoon. The dance, known as the Trata, is believed to have ancient origins and is included in Greece’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

As night falls, the village comes alive with a profound stillness, as if holding its breath for what is to come: the reenactments of Christ’s Passion.
This powerful tradition has been observed without pause in Marpissa since 1924 a legacy born from the vision of the village schoolteacher, the late Vasileia Kafourou-Asoniti, and kept alive through generations, as recently confirmed by her son.

This custom dates back to the Greek War of Independence in 1821, when locals used saites as improvised weapons against the Ottomans. Today, it serves as a tribute to local history and a vital part of the city’s Easter identity.

Due to its intensity, the event is held with strict safety precautions to protect participants and spectators

.Καλαμάτα (37.0366386, 22.1143716)

This custom dates back to the Greek War of Independence in 1821, when locals used saites as improvised weapons against the Ottomans. Today, it serves as a tribute to local history and a vital part of the city’s Easter identity.

Due to its intensity, the event is held with strict safety precautions to protect participants and spectators.

One of the most symbolic Easter customs in Crete is the Burning of Judas.

On the night of the Resurrection (Holy Saturday), villagers create a large effigy of Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus. This figure is made from old clothes, hay, and wood, and is often placed on a wooden cross in the village square or near the church.

After the “Christ is Risen” ("Christos Anesti") is proclaimed at midnight, the effigy is set on fire, sometimes accompanied by fireworks or firecrackers.

This fiery tradition symbolizes the punishment of betrayal and serves as a dramatic way to express joy for the Resurrection and the triumph of life over death.

It’s a powerful custom that reflects the deep religious faith and community spirit of the Cretan people.

Saitopolemos in Kalamata – Easter Tradition

Saitopolemos is a traditional Easter custom celebrated in Kalamata, Greece, mainly on Easter Sunday. It involves teams of locals, known as "saitologoi," who prepare and launch handmade tube-like fireworks called saites. The spectacle is accompanied by music, traditional costumes, and cheering crowds. Though controversial due to safety concerns, it remains a deeply rooted and symbolic event representing the region’s history and passion for celebration.

The effigy is usually made of straw and old clothes and is paraded or placed in a central area of the village. After the Resurrection service (“Christ is Risen”), it is set on fire in a public gathering.
The burning is often accompanied by fireworks, music, and cheering, creating a festive yet cathartic atmosphere.

This custom symbolizes the punishment of betrayal and the cleansing of evil, and it is deeply rooted in both religious tradition and local folklore.

A characteristic Easter tradition in the region of Macedonia is the “scorching” of eggs in the fire, preserved in several villages of Central and Western Macedonia.

On Easter Monday, in villages such as those in the areas of Pella, Kozani, or Serres, locals gather in squares or courtyards and burn the eggs that were cracked or not suitable for preservation. They throw them into the fire along with the eggshells from Easter Sunday. This custom has a purifying meaning, symbolizing the removal of evil, the blessing of the new harvest, and renewal.

It is often accompanied by songs, dancing, and communal feasting. In some cases, the fire is lit using dry vine branches or flowers collected on Good Friday—giving the ritual a symbolic connection to the Resurrection.

If you'd like, I can also tell you about other traditions, like the "Anastenaria" (fire-walking ritual) in Northern Macedonia or the traditional dances of Easter in mountain villages.

One of the most famous and special customs in Kalamata is the "Saitopolemos", or the battle of the "saites." This is a unique event that takes place in specially prepared arenas, where teams of locals, known as "saitologoi," light long paper tubes filled with gunpowder and compete by firing them in spectacular displays of fire and sound. This tradition dates back to the Greek War of Independence and is said to symbolize the heroic spirit of the people.

Throughout the day, music, dancing, and celebrations fill the streets, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Traditional folk dances, local delicacies, and the warmth of the Kalamata people make Easter Sunday an unforgettable experience for both locals and visitors.

Easter in Kalamata is not just a religious celebration — it is a living tradition that combines faith, history, and community spirit in a truly unique way.