Just like every other country in the world, Greece has its national holidays. Each of them hold a special meaning to its citizens and are celebrated in mass or by a segment of the country’s population. Below, you will find a listing of National Greek holidays, along with their meanings. If you schedule your Greece holiday, during a National holiday, be prepared to celebrate!

Protochronia (New Year’s Day):This holiday is held in celebration of the first day of the New Year. In Greece, it is also referred to as the feast of St. Basil the Great.

Trion Ierarchon (the Three Holy Hierarchs):This holiday is celebrated on January 30^th: All students are allowed to stay home from school. It is the held in honor of St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory the Theologian and St. John Chrysostom, the patron saints of education.

Kathara Deftera (Clean Monday/Shrove Monday):This holiday begins on the first date of Lent.

Eikosti-pempti Martiou (25^th of March):This holiday is celebrated in commemoration of the anniversary of the declaration of the Greek War of Independence from the Ottoman Empire. It is also held in honor of the birth announcement of Christ to the Virgin Mary, known as the Annunciation.

Megali Paraskevi (Good Friday):The date of this celebration changes based on the date Good Friday falls on. It is held in celebration of Christ’s death on the cross.

Kyriaki tou Pascha (Easter):This celebration is in honor of Christ accension.

Aghiou Pnevmatos (Holy Spirit Monday):This celebration is held in honor of Pentecost Monday

Ergatiki Protomagia (Labor Day):This celebration is held on May 1^st. It is the day of workers.

I Kimisis tis Theotokou (Assumption or Dormition of the Holy Virgin):This is a celebration of the Virgin Mary. It takes place on August 15^th.

To Ochi/Imera tou Ochi (The Ochi Day):This celebration takes place on October 28^th and is in honor of the Greek’s refusal of the 1940 Italian ultimatum. It is referred to as the Day of “No.”

Polytechneio (Polytechneio):On this holiday, students are allowed to stay home. It is in honor or the anniversary of student protests, held in 1973, against the junta of the colonels. It is celebrated on November 17^th.

Summer - Greek Holiday Destinations

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Summer - Greek Holiday Destinations

Greek holidays on Kalymnos island

Our beloved holidays(Karustos 2011)Greece

Christougenna (Christmas):Christmas is celebrated in many countries around the world. It is the celebration of Christ and occurs on December 25^th.

Synaxix Hyperagias (Glorifying Mother of God):The holiday celebrates the Theotokos. It has significance because it occurs after Christmas, on December 26^th.

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Written by Anna James in General

Originally Creted 17 July 2011

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