In Zakynthos, Easter is more than just a religious holiday

The island's Holy Week is unique in Greece

Greek Easter evokes images of colorful processions, candlelit churches, and exuberant festivities. However, Easter is a profoundly spiritual and culturally rich event that blends Orthodox tradition with centuries-old local rituals on the Ionian island of Zakynthos (Zante). The island's Holy Week is unique in Greece  it's solemn, dramatic, musical, and most importantly, unforgettable.

A Combination of Culture and Religion

Venetian dominance has resulted in a long history of cultural mingling on Zakynthos, leaving a lasting impact on the island's architecture, music, and religious customs. This impact is most noticeable at Easter, when Orthodox and Catholic elements blend together and every rite is enhanced by the island's distinctive philharmonic orchestras.

From Palm Sunday to Holy Wednesday

Palm Sunday, when church services commemorate Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, marks the start of the festivities. The devout get ready spiritually for the days ahead by attending mass and receiving palm crosses. During nighttime services on Holy Monday and Holy Tuesday, the Bridegroom Matins' lovely hymns are played. These mournful and contemplative tunes emphasize the imminence of Christ's Passion.

Zakynthians participate in the sacrament of Holy Unction on Holy Wednesday, which is a poignant ritual in which the faithful are anointed with holy oil for forgiveness and healing. This establishes the mood for the next few days, which are quite emotional.

Holy Thursday: The Supper of Mysteries

With the Divine Liturgy and the reading of the Twelve Gospels later in the evening, Holy Thursday honors the Last Supper. The distinctive choirs and classical music traditions of Zakynthos fill the cathedrals with resonating tones. A common Greek custom that signals the start of Easter preparations is for families to dye eggs red to represent the blood of Christ.

Good Friday: A Somber Day

For Holy Week, Good Friday (Mεγάλη Παρασκευή) is the most serious day. The island is in a state of profound mourning. The "earthquake" ceremony at the Church of Agios Nikolaos of Molos, which represents the earth's trembling during Christ's death, is a distinctive local tradition that takes place early in the morning. An extraordinary and profoundly moving event takes place at 2:00 p.m., when Christ's body is taken down from the crucifixion earlier than is customary throughout the rest of Greece.

The Epitaphios processions, which represent the funeral of Christ, wind through the streets of Zakynthos Town in the evening. In addition to priests and worshippers, philharmonic orchestras perform funeral marches by Chopin, Verdi, and Mariani during the processions, adding a distinctly Zakynthian flavor and intensifying the emotional experience.

Holy Saturday: Joy and Resurrection

The "First Resurrection," a spectacular local rite at the Church of Agios Nikolaos, kicks off Holy Saturday in Zakynthos at 4 a.m. Loud smashes reverberate throughout the cathedral as clay pots are thrown and broken, signifying the breaking of Hades and the dawn of fresh life, while the priest preaches about Christ's victory over death.

The customary Resurrection service (Anastasi) starts at midnight. As the priest declares "Christ is Risen" (Christos Anesti), the Holy Light's glow spreads over the throng as people assemble in the main square holding candles. The celebration continues with music, dancing, and the customary Easter supper as fireworks light up the sky and bells ring joyfully.

An Easter to Remember in Zakynthos

In Zakynthos, Easter is more than just a religious holiday; it's a multisensory celebration of community, music, culture, and faith. The island's unusual traditions, which have their roots in both Western musical legacy and Orthodox devotion, provide a meaningful, emotional, and unique Easter celebration.

Holy Week in Zakynthos is a voyage that will stay with tourists long after the candles have gone out, providing a more profound and poignant experience of Greek heritage.