Corfu Easter Celebrations
Corfu Easter Celebrations are widely regarded as the most spectacular and unique Easter experience in Greece, attracting visitors from around the world each year. Blending deep religious devotion with vibrant cultural traditions, Easter in Corfu transforms the island into a truly unforgettable destination. From the moving processions of Holy Week to the famous pot-throwing tradition on Holy Saturday, the celebrations offer a rare opportunity to experience authentic Corfiot culture at its most dramatic and atmospheric.
Planning to visit Corfu during Easter? This guide takes you through the Corfu Easter Celebrations step by step, with a day-by-day breakdown of events, key dates, and local insights to help you experience the island like a local. Discover what not to miss and how to make the most of one of the most unforgettable Easter celebrations in Greece
2027 Dates soon to be added
- Thursday 2 April 2026
- Eve of Lazarus – Friday 3 April 2026
- Lazarus Saturday – 4 April 2026
- Palm Sunday – 5 April 2026
- Holy Monday – 6 April 2026
- Holy Tuesday – 7 April 2026
- Holy Wednesday – 8 April 2026
- Holy Thursday – 9 April 2026
- Good Friday – 10 April 2026
- Holy Saturday – 11 April 2026
- Easter Sunday – 12 April 2026
- Bright Tuesday – 14 April 2026
Thursday 2 April 2026
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 21:00 | Religious Concert of the Old Philharmonic (Palea) | 📍Cathedral of St James and Christopher (Duomo) |
Eve of Lazarus – Friday 3 April 2026
The Eve of Lazarus marks the beginning of the Holy Week celebrations in Corfu, with traditional music and cultural events taking place across the historic centre.
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 20:30 | Concert (Angel Tears) by the Agios Spyridon Choir | 📍Metropolitan Church (Spilia) |
| 21:00 | Religious Concert of the Old Philharmonic (Palea) 2nd Day | 📍Cathedral of St James and Christopher (Duomo) |
Lazarus Saturday – 4 April 2026
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 11:30 | Choir groups sing Lazarus carols throughout the Old Town | Starts at📍St Nikolaos of the Elders |
| 12:30 | Choir groups reunite for the grand final performance | 📍San Giacomo (Old Town Hall) |
| 20:30 | Corfu Choir performs a concert of religious music | 📍Peristyle of the Palace of St. Michael and George |
Palm Sunday – 5 April 2026
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of the main Holy Week celebrations in Corfu. The day starts with special church services across the island where palm leaves are blessed. Those attending receive a small palm cross decorated with olive branches, symbolising peace and victory.
One of the most important events of the day is the procession of the relics of Saint Spyridon, the patron saint of the island. The procession follows the route of the old city walls through the historic centre of Corfu
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 11:00 | Litany of the Holy Relics of Saint Spyridon along the route of the old city walls | Starts and ends at 📍Church of Saint Spyridon |
| 20:30 | Concert by the Kapodistrias Philharmonic Association with the Choir of the Holy Metropolis | 📍Church of St George (Old Fortress) |
⭐ Highlight of Palm Sunday
The Litany of Saint Spyridon is one of the most significant religious traditions on the island. Thousands of locals and visitors gather in the streets of the Old Town to watch the procession of the saint’s relics, accompanied by philharmonic bands and clergy.
Holy Monday – 6 April 2026
Holy Monday continues the cultural programme of the Easter celebrations in Corfu Town, with evening concerts performed by the island’s renowned philharmonic bands. These concerts are an important part of the local Easter traditions and attract both residents and visitors.
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 21:00 | Concert by the Mantzaros Philharmonic Society | 📍Church of St George (Old Fortress) |
| 21:00 | Concert of religious music by Philharmonic of Kinopiastes | 📍Cathedral of St James and Christopher (Duomo) |
⭐ Highlight of Holy Monday
Corfu’s philharmonic societies play a central role in the island’s Easter traditions. Their concerts during Holy Week showcase classical and religious music in historic venues across the Old Town, creating a unique cultural atmosphere.
Holy Tuesday – 7 April 2026
Holy Tuesday continues the musical programme of the Easter celebrations in Corfu, with concerts taking place in historic churches and cultural venues across Corfu Town. The evening features performances by local orchestras, conservatory musicians, and choirs.
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 20:30 | Concert by the Korakiana Philharmonic Orchestra. | 📍Church of Saint Francis of Assisi |
| 21:30 | Poetic music evening performed by the St Spyridon Choir. | 📍Peristyle of the Palace of St. Michael and George |
⭐ Highlight of Holy Tuesday
The Poetic Music Evening performed by the St Spyridon Choir is one of the most atmospheric cultural events of the week. Held in the elegant peristyle of the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, the performance combines poetry and choral music in a unique setting in the heart of the Old Town.
Holy Wednesday – 8 April 2026
Holy Wednesday continues the programme of religious services and musical performances during the Easter celebrations in Corfu. The evening features a combination of church services and concerts held in historic venues across Corfu Town.
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 19:00 | The Service of Maundy (Washing of the Feet) sung by the Metropolis Choir. | 📍Church of All Saints |
| 20:30 | Concert by the Skripero Philharmonic Orchestra. | 📍Holy Church of St George (Old Fortress) |
| 20:30 | Religious music performance by the San Giacomo Choir with the Ionian Islands Symphony Orchestra. | 📍Peristyle of the Palace of St. Michael and George |
⭐ Holy Wednesday Atmosphere in Corfu
On Holy Wednesday, Corfu Town takes on a unique and solemn atmosphere as the city is illuminated in purple, the traditional colour of mourning.The arcades of the Liston Promenade, the historic palaces, and many streets across the town are bathed in purple light, creating a striking and emotional setting for the days leading up to the Crucifixion.
One of the most symbolic sights is the illuminated cross at the Old Fortress of Corfu, glowing in the same mournful colour and visible from across the town..
Holy Thursday – 9 April 2026
Holy Thursday marks the beginning of the most solemn days of Holy Week in Corfu. Churches across the island hold special services commemorating the Last Supper, while preparations begin for the major processions that take place the following day.
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 20:00 | The Maundy ceremony is performed by the Catholic Archbishop by washing the feet of twelve children. | 📍Cathedral of St James and Christopher (Duomo) |
⭐ Local Tradition to Experience
At around 20:00 on Holy Thursday evening, locals and visitors gather beneath the historic building of the 📍Old Philharmonic on Nikiforou Theotoki Street to listen to the moving dress rehearsal of the mournful marches that will accompany the Good Friday processions.
The musicians of the Philharmonic Society of Corfu rehearse with the windows open, allowing the music to echo through the streets of the Old Town. At the same time, the Mantzaros Philharmonic Society holds its rehearsal at the Church of Saint George, Old Fortress of Corfu.
Although not an official event, many locals consider this rehearsal one of the most atmospheric moments of Holy Week in Corfu Town.
Good Friday – 10 April 2026
On Good Friday, every church in Corfu Town holds a procession of its Epitaph, a decorated bier symbolising Christ’s tomb. The processions take place throughout the afternoon and evening in a specific order and are accompanied by choirs, scouts, schools and the island’s famous philharmonic bands.
Because there are many churches in the town, the philharmonic bands divide into smaller groups so they can accompany several processions. The full bands reunite for the final procession later in the evening.
Good Friday Epitaph Procession Timetable
12:30
- Church of Agia Irini (General Hospital)
- Church of Agios Artemios (Police Headquarters – Old Hospital)
14:00
- Church of Pantokratoros (Campiello)
- Church of Panagia Spiliotissa (New Fortress)
15:30
- Church of Saint Nicholas of the Baths (Faliraki)
16:00
- Church of Saint George (Old Fortress)
16:30
- Church of Saint Panteleimon (Psychiatric Hospital)
17:00
- Holy Monastery of Saint Euphemia (Mon Repos)
- Church of Odigetrias – Panagiopoula (Porta Remounta)
17:30
- Monastery of Panagia Kassopitra (Figareto)
- Church of the Ascension (Analipsi)
- Church of Saint George (Mantouki)
18:00
- Church of All Saints, Corfu (Old Town)
- Church of the Resurrection (1st Municipal Cemetery)
- Monastery of Saints Theodori (Stratia)
18:30
- Church of Saint Paraskevi (Porta Remounta)
19:00
- Church of Saint Anthony (Spilia)
- Church of the Holy Trinity (Garitsa)
- Church of Saints Constantine and Helen (Koulines)
- Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God Mamalon (Kogevina Hill)
- Church of Saints Jason and Sosipatros (Garitsa)
19:15
- Church of Saint Sophia (Jewish Quarter)
- Church of Panagia Vlacherna (Garitsa)
19:30
- Church of Agios Eleftherios (Kofineta)
- Church of Agios Spyridon of San Rocco (Kotsela)
- Church of the Three Holy Martyrs (Garitsa)
- Church of Panagia Faneromeni / Panagia ton Xenon (Saint Spyridon Square)
20:00
- Church of Saint Basil (Pinia)
- Church of Saint John of Lazo (Kefalomantouko)
- Church of Saint Barbaros (Potamos)
- Church of Saint Nicholas Alykon (Alykes)
- Church of All Saints (Gouvia)
20:15
- Church of Saint Nikolaos of the Elders (Campiello)
20:30
- Church of Saint John (Piatsa )
20:45
- Cathedral of Saints James and Christopher (Duomo)
21:00
- Church of Saint Spyridon
Procession of the Epitaph inside the church, accompanied by the Philharmonic Society of Corfu
22:00
- Metropolitan Church of Panagia Spiliotissa (Spilia)
Visitor Tip
Many of the processions take place at the same time, so it is impossible to see them all. Visitors staying in Corfu Town often choose one or two nearby churches and then watch the larger evening processions in the central streets.
Holy Saturday – 11 April 2026
Holy Saturday is the most famous and vibrant day of the Easter celebrations in Corfu. From the early morning hours through midnight, the town is filled with religious ceremonies, unique local traditions and large crowds gathering in the historic centre of Corfu Town.
The highlight of the day is the famous pot-throwing tradition, when thousands of clay pots are thrown from balconies during the First Resurrection.
Morning Traditions
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 06:00 | Re-enactment of the earthquake after the Resurrection | 📍Church of Virgin Mary of the Foreigners |
| 09:00 | Procession of the Holy Relic of Saint Spyridon and the church’s Epitaph | 📍Church of Saint Spyridon |
| 11:00 | First Resurrection – Church bells ring and the pot-throwing (Botides) begins | 📍Spianada Square and surrounding streets |
| 11:01 | The traditional Mastela custom takes place | 📍Pinia Square |
⭐ The Pot-Throwing Tradition (Botides)
At 11:00 on Holy Saturday, the First Resurrection is announced and church bells ring throughout Corfu Town. Locals throw large clay pots filled with water from their balconies onto the streets below. The custom symbolises renewal and the arrival of spring and is one of the most famous Easter traditions in Greece. Thousands of visitors gather around Spianada Square and the Liston area to witness this spectacular event.
To experience the tradition fully, many visitors choose to buy their own clay pot (boti). In the days leading up to Easter, stalls appear around San Rocco Square sell them as well as shops and supermarkets across Corfu Town also sell them.
⭐ The Mastela Tradition
Another local custom takes place in Pinia Square. A decorated barrel filled with water, flowers, branches and ribbons is placed in the square several days before Easter. Passers-by throw coins into it while making a wish.
When the church bells ring for the First Resurrection, the first person to dive into the Mastela retrieves the coins and receives the contents of the barrel.
Evening & Midnight Resurrection Events
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 21:00 | Easter Vigil Service | 📍Cathedral of St James and Christopher (Duomo) |
| 22:00 | Reception of the Holy Light | 📍Pentofanaro (Liston) |
| 23:00 | Beginning of the Easter Vigil Service | 📍Church of Agia Paraskevi |
| 23:40 | Resurrection procession moves towards the square | Route to Spianada Square |
| 00:00 | Midnight Resurrection and fireworks | 📍Spianada Music Pavilion |
⭐ Midnight Resurrection
Shortly before midnight, the Resurrection procession moves towards the music pavilion in Spianada Square. At exactly 00:00, the Metropolitan announces “Christos Anesti” (Christ has risen) and the crowd responds while fireworks illuminate the sky. The island’s three philharmonic bands perform the famous march “Grekoi.”
Easter Sunday – 12 April 2026
Easter Sunday in Corfu is a joyful and celebratory day following the midnight Resurrection. Church services, processions and gatherings take place throughout the island, with a more relaxed and festive atmosphere in Corfu Town.
Early Morning Resurrection Services
At 00:30, the Resurrection Divine Liturgy continues in several churches and monasteries across the island, including:
Churches:
- Church of Agioi Pantes (Polios)
- Church of Agia Paraskevi (Porta Remounta)
- Church of Agia Sophia
- Church of Panagia ton Xenon
- Church of Saints Jason and Sosipatros
- Church of the Three Martyrs
- Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God (Kogevina Hill)
- Church of Hodigitria (Alepou)
- Church of Saints Constantine and Helen (Koulines)
- Church of Agioi Pantes (Gouvia)
Monasteries:
- Monastery of Panagia Platytera
- Monastery of Panagia Euphemia
- Monastery of Panagia Kassopitra (Kanoni)
- Monastery of Panagia Theodoroi (Stratia)
Morning Services
Between 09:00 and 11:00, most churches across Corfu hold the Resurrection Divine Liturgy.
Processions of the Resurrection Icon
From early morning, the Icon of the Resurrection is carried in procession through different neighbourhoods of Corfu Town.
07:30
- Church of Agia Sophia (Jewish Quarter)
07:45
- Metropolitan Church of Spilia
08:00
- Church of Agioi Pantes (Liston)
08:15
- Church of Agios Spyridon of Sarokos (Kotsela)
08:30
- Church of Agios Eleftherios (Kofineta)
- Church of the Ascension (Analipsi)
- Church of Saint George (Mantouki)
- Monastery of Vlacherna (Garitsa)
08:45
- Church of Saint Basil (Pinia)
- Church of Agia Paraskevi (Porta Remounta)
09:00
- Church of Agia Paraskevi (Porta Remounta)
- Church of Panagia Faneromeni (Plakada tou Agios)
- Church of Saint Nikolaos of the Elders (Campiello)
- Church of Saint John (Piatsa)
- Church of Saint Anthony (Spilia)
18:00
- Church of the Holy Trinity (Garitsa)
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 | Holy Pilgrimage of Saint Spyridon with philharmonic bands performing | 📍Church of Saint Spyridon |
| 19:30 | Vespers of Love – Gospel read in multiple languages | 📍Metropolitan Church |
⭐ Highlight of Easter Sunday
One of the most important events of the day is the Holy Pilgrimage of Saint Spyridon, where the saint’s relic is carried through the streets accompanied by the island’s famous philharmonic bands. The music, atmosphere and celebrations reflect the joyful spirit of Easter across Corfu Town.
Bright Tuesday – 14 April 2026
On Bright Tuesday, an important and symbolic ceremony takes place in Corfu Town with the return of the Holy Relics of Saint Spyridon to their reliquary.
⭐ The “Basmata” of Saint Spyridon
During this ceremony, known locally as the “Basmata of the Saint”, the relics of Saint Spyridon are placed back into their reliquary following the Easter celebrations.
The event takes place in the Church of Saint Spyridon, with the customary presence of local authorities and the participation of the island’s two oldest philharmonic bands, creating a solemn and respectful atmosphere.
This ceremony marks the formal conclusion of the Easter celebrations in Corfu.
This page was last updated in March 2026. We regularly review and add new events as they are announced