Easter Celebrations in Corfu – A Unique Greek Tradition

Easter in Corfu is the most important and spectacular religious celebration of the year, attracting thousands of visitors from all over Greece and beyond. The island is famous for its unique blend of Orthodox traditions, Venetian influences, and musical processions, creating a festive atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the country. If you are in Corfu during Easter, prepare for days filled with music, rituals, fireworks, and the famous “botides” clay pot smashing.

Why Easter in Corfu Is Special

• 🎶 Philharmonic bands: Corfu’s famous orchestras accompany processions throughout Holy Week.
• 🪣 Pot smashing: On Holy Saturday morning, locals throw clay pots from balconies in a tradition called botides.
• ⛪ Religious rituals: Byzantine hymns, candlelit vigils, and the Holy Fire ceremony are central to the celebrations.
• 🎆 Fireworks: At midnight on Holy Saturday, the sky above Corfu Town lights up in a dazzling display.

Holy Week in Corfu

The celebrations begin on Palm Sunday and build throughout the week. Each day brings different processions, with relics of St. Spyridon (the island’s patron saint) carried through the streets. The sound of philharmonic bands, choirs, and church bells fills the air, creating a deeply moving experience for locals and visitors alike.

Good Friday

On Good Friday, solemn processions take place in every village and parish. In Corfu Town, the Epitaphios processions—where decorated biers symbolising Christ’s tomb are carried through the streets—are accompanied by orchestras playing classical and mournful works. The atmosphere is both solemn and beautiful.

Holy Saturday – The Pot Throwing Tradition

The most famous moment comes on Holy Saturday morning at 11:00 am, when locals throw large clay pots, known as botides, from their balconies onto the streets below. This noisy spectacle is said to welcome spring, chase away evil spirits, and symbolize the joy of Christ’s Resurrection. Visitors fill the streets of Corfu Town to witness this unforgettable event.

Midnight Resurrection

At midnight on Holy Saturday, crowds gather in Spianada Square and outside the churches to celebrate the Resurrection. The Holy Fire, brought from Jerusalem, is distributed to the faithful, and the entire town glows with candlelight. As the priest proclaims “Christos Anesti” (Christ is Risen), fireworks light up the sky, marking the most emotional moment of the year for Corfiots.

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday is a day of feasting and joy. Families gather for traditional meals, which often include lamb roasted on a spit, tsoureki (sweet bread), and red-dyed eggs symbolising life and rebirth. Villages across the island host communal celebrations, music, and dancing.

How to Experience Easter in Corfu

• 📍 Stay in or near Corfu Town to be close to the main processions and events.
• 🎶 Don’t miss the unique philharmonic bands—each has its own colours and style.
• 🪣 Be early on Holy Saturday morning to secure a good spot for the pot smashing.
• 🕯️ Buy a candle for the midnight Resurrection service and join the locals in lighting up the night.

Insider Tip

Book accommodation months in advance if you plan to visit during Easter. It is the busiest time of the year in Corfu, and hotels, especially in Corfu Town, fill up quickly. For an authentic experience, attend both the solemn Good Friday procession and the joyful Saturday pot throwing—you’ll witness two completely different but equally unforgettable sides of Corfu’s Easter tradition.