Easter Sunday in Corfu – Easter 2026 Guide

Morning Resurrection Liturgies, Saint Spyridon Pilgrimage & Vespers of Love

Date: Sunday, 12 April 2026
Location: Corfu Town & local churches across the island

After the excitement of Holy Saturday’s fireworks and pot throwing, Easter Sunday in Corfu begins gently.

Church bells ring in the morning light, candles flicker inside small neighbourhood churches, and families gather to celebrate the Resurrection Divine Liturgy followed by long lunches, music and traditional food.

It’s calmer, warmer, and deeply joyful — a beautiful way to experience authentic local life in Corfu.

If Holy Saturday is dramatic…
Easter Sunday is pure heart.

🌅 Morning – Resurrection Divine Liturgies (09:00–11:00)

Across Corfu, churches celebrate the Resurrection Divine Liturgy in the morning, following an old tradition inspired by the Gospel phrase:

“At sunrise they came to the tomb…”

Unlike many places where Easter is only celebrated at midnight, Corfu keeps this sunrise-style Resurrection service, creating a peaceful and very local atmosphere.

During these liturgies:
• The icon of the Resurrection is honoured
• Hymns of joy replace Holy Week mourning
• Bells ring brightly across the city
• Families attend together before Sunday feasts

It’s a lovely, authentic moment to step inside a church and experience Corfiot Easter traditions up close.

🕯️ Church Times Around Corfu Town (2026)

Here are some of the main morning services:

07:30
• Church of Agia Sofia

07:45
• Metropolitan Church of Panagia Spilaiotissa
• Agios Spyridon (Liston area)
• Agia Paraskevi (Porta Remounta)

08:10
• Agios Eleftherios (Kofineta)

08:15
• Agios Spyridon Saroko (Kotsela)

08:30
• Analipsi
• Agios Georgios (Mandouki)
• Panagia ton Xenon (Plakada tou Agiou)
• Panagia Vlacherna (Garitsa)

08:45
• Agios Vasileios (Pinia)

09:00
• Agios Nikolaos ton Geronton (Campiello)
• Agios Ioannis (Piazza)
• Agios Antonios (Spilia)

Tip: smaller neighbourhood churches often feel more intimate and welcoming if you prefer fewer crowds.

🎺 10:00 – Saint Spyridon Pilgrimage (Holy Pilgrimage of the Saint)

📍 Corfu Town

Later in the morning, the celebrations continue with the Pilgrimage of Saint Spyridon, honouring Corfu’s beloved patron saint.

The procession includes the island’s famous philharmonic bands:

• Corfu Philharmonic Society (“Old”) – Tannhäuser (Wagner)
• Mantzaros Philharmonic – Resurrection March (Sotiris Kritikos)

The combination of brass bands, sunshine, and joyful music gives Easter Sunday a completely different mood from the solemn days before.

It feels celebratory, hopeful, and very Corfu.

🌿 Afternoon – Relax & Celebrate Like a Local

After church, Corfiot families head home to celebrate with:

• roast lamb
• red eggs
• fogatsa & colomba cakes
• wine
• music and dancing

Restaurants and tavernas fill up quickly, and the whole island has a warm, festive feel.

It’s the perfect day to:
• enjoy a long lunch
• wander the Old Town
• sit at Liston for coffee
• or simply soak up the atmosphere

✨ 19:30 – Vespers of Love (A Beautiful Finale)

📍 Metropolitan Church

In the evening, the Vespers of Love service takes place.

This special ceremony is known for something lovely and symbolic:

👉 The Gospel is read in many different languages

Representing unity, peace and the universal message of Easter.

It’s a calm, meaningful way to close the day.

❤️ Why Easter Sunday in Corfu is special

Easter Sunday offers:

✔ Joyful church bells and sunshine
✔ Morning Resurrection services
✔ Saint Spyridon traditions
✔ Philharmonic music
✔ Family celebrations & food
✔ A relaxed, happy atmosphere

It’s less touristy than Holy Saturday and feels wonderfully authentic.

If you want to see real local Corfu life, this is the day.

✅ Visitor Tips

• Arrive early for church seating
• Dress modestly for services
• Book lunch reservations in advance
• Expect many shops to close for family time
• Take a stroll through Spianada or Liston after lunch

Quick Schedule – Easter Sunday Corfu 2026

• 07:30–09:00 – Morning Resurrection Liturgies across churches
• 10:00 – Saint Spyridon pilgrimage with bands
• Afternoon – Family feasts & celebrations
• 19:30 – Vespers of Love (Gospel in many languages)