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Panoramic view of Leonidio town below the red rocks of Parnon

Greek Easter 2027 in the Peloponnese: Dates, Traditions and Where to Go

Easter is the most important celebration of the year in Greece – more than Christmas. In 2027 Greek Orthodox Easter falls on Sunday 2 May, in late spring, when the Peloponnese is green and full of flowers. Here are the dates, the traditions and our favourite places to experience it.

Easter 2027 – key dates

  • Good Friday, 30 April 2027 – the Epitaphios processions in the evening.
  • Holy Saturday, 1 May 2027 – at midnight, the Resurrection service, candles and fireworks.
  • Easter Sunday, 2 May 2027 – lamb on the spit, red eggs and family feasts.
  • Easter Monday, 3 May 2027 – a public holiday and a day for excursions.

Easter is the busiest long weekend of the Greek spring, so book early.

Leonidio: the night of the balloons

In Leonidio, on the Arcadian coast, hundreds of small colourful paper hot-air balloons are released into the night sky right after the Resurrection service. It is one of the most spectacular Easter customs in Greece. See our Leonidio city tour and the Arcadian coast in 4 days.

Tyros: Easter by the sea

In Tyros the Epitaphios procession of Good Friday walks along the coastal road, and on Easter Sunday the Gospel is read in Tsakonian, one of the oldest dialects of Greek. See the Tyros city tour & food experience.

Kalamata: the Saitopolemos

In Kalamata, Easter Sunday ends with the Saitopolemos, a noisy traditional “battle” with handmade paper rockets (saites) – a show to watch from a safe distance.

Monemvasia and Nafplio

In Monemvasia the Good Friday procession winds through the lanes of the castle town, and on Easter Sunday afternoon an effigy of Judas is burned. In Nafplio, the Epitaphios processions of the old town meet in Syntagma Square with music and choirs. Read our Mystras and Monemvasia guide or join our Nafplio day trip.

Easter in the mountain villages

In Dimitsana, Stemnitsa and the villages of Arcadia, Easter is a family celebration: the whole village at the midnight service, then lamb on the spit in the yards on Sunday. A quiet, authentic way to live Greek Easter – see the long weekend in the Arcadian villages.

Plan your Easter trip

Easter is high season for Greeks, and hotels in the most famous places fill up months ahead. With a private driver you can see the Good Friday procession in one town, the Resurrection in another and the balloons of Leonidio – without driving at night after the celebrations.

See: events calendar · Athens airport to Tripoli and Arcadia · Athens airport to Kalamata · Athens airport to Nafplio.

Frequently asked questions

When is Greek Easter in 2027?

Greek Orthodox Easter Sunday is on 2 May 2027. Western Easter that year is on 28 March.

Can visitors attend the Easter services?

Yes, everyone is welcome. Dress respectfully, buy a candle at the church, and be ready for crowds and fireworks at midnight.

Are shops and sites open over Easter?

Many shops close on Good Friday morning, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, and archaeological sites have shorter hours. We plan your days around the closures.

Tell us your dates and how many you are, and we will reply within 24 hours with your Easter plan, hotels and private transfers. Plan your Easter in Greece