Holy Saturday in Corfu – Easter 2026 Guide
Saint Spyridon Procession, Pot Throwing (Botides) & Midnight Resurrection Fireworks
Date: Saturday, 11 April 2026
Location: Corfu Old Town (Spianada, Liston & churches)
If there’s one day that defines Easter in Corfu, it’s Holy Saturday.
This is the day the island transforms from mourning to pure celebration — with ancient traditions, marching bands, clay pots crashing from balconies, the Holy Light, fireworks, and thousands of candles lighting the night sky.
It’s loud. Emotional. Joyful. Totally unforgettable.
And honestly?
There’s nowhere else in Greece that celebrates Easter like this.
🌅 Morning Traditions
06:00 – The “Earthquake” Service
📍 Panagia ton Xenon (Faneromeni Church), Plakada tou Agiou
At dawn, the symbolic “Earthquake of the Resurrection” service takes place, recreating the Gospel moment when the earth shook after Christ’s Resurrection.
It’s quiet, spiritual, and very local — a beautiful early-morning experience if you’re staying nearby.
09:00 – Saint Spyridon Procession (The Oldest Litany in Corfu)
📍 Church of Saint Spyridon → through Old Town
This is one of the most important religious processions of the year.
The relic of Saint Spyridon, Corfu’s patron saint, is carried through the city in memory of the miraculous liberation of the island from famine in the 1500s.
What makes it special:
• The Saint’s relic leads the procession
• All three philharmonic bands perform mourning marches
• Huge local participation
• Deep historical roots going back centuries
You’ll hear powerful funeral-style music echoing through the streets as the procession moves through Spianada and the Old Town.
Afterwards, the relic is placed at the church door for three days of public pilgrimage — an ancient Corfiot tradition.
If you love history and culture, this is a must-see.
🏺 11:00 – The Famous Pot Throwing (Botides)
The “First Resurrection”
This is the moment everyone waits for.
After the Resurrection hymn “Arise, O God”, church bells ring joyfully across the city…
…and suddenly…
CRASH 💥
From balconies all over Corfu Town, locals throw huge clay pots (botides) filled with water onto the streets below.
Hundreds smash at once.
The sound is incredible.
Why do they do it?
The tradition is very old.
Some say:
• it symbolises the earthquake of the Resurrection
• others say it represents new life breaking through death
• some link it to Venetian New Year customs
Whatever the origin — it’s wildly fun and completely unique to Corfu.
Tips:
• Stand back (pots smash hard!)
• Best spots: Liston, Spianada, Campiello
• Don’t stand directly under balconies
This is the most photographed moment of Corfu Easter.
11:01 – The “Mastella” Tradition
📍 Pinia (Old Market area)
Nearby, locals revive the fun custom of Mastella:
A decorated barrel filled with water and coins is placed in the square.
When the bells ring, someone jumps in and claims the coins (and gets soaked 😄).
Small, quirky, very Corfu.
🌙 Evening & Night Celebrations
21:00 – Catholic Easter Vigil
📍 Duomo (Catholic Cathedral)
A beautiful candlelit vigil with organ music and choir, reflecting Corfu’s Venetian Catholic heritage.
22:00 – Reception of the Holy Light
📍 Pentofanaro (Liston)
The Holy Light from Jerusalem arrives and is received by local authorities before being carried in procession through the Old Town.
Locals gather with candles to take the flame home.
The atmosphere is magical.
✨ Midnight – The Resurrection Celebration (Don’t Miss This!)
23:40 onwards
📍 Upper Square (Spianada)
Thousands gather with candles.
The three philharmonic orchestras assemble.
Then at midnight…
“Christos Anesti – Christ is Risen!”
🎺 Bands play
🎆 Fireworks explode overhead
🕯️ Candles light every balcony
🥁 Drums echo across the square
It’s honestly goosebumps stuff.
Afterwards?
The party begins.
Locals celebrate all night with:
• red eggs
• fogatsa & colomba cakes
• tsilihourda soup
• wine
• music
Corfu doesn’t sleep.
❤️ Why Holy Saturday in Corfu is unforgettable
Holy Saturday combines:
✔ Ancient religious rituals
✔ Saint Spyridon traditions
✔ Unique pot throwing custom
✔ Philharmonic bands
✔ Fireworks & midnight celebration
✔ Food, music & all-night partying
It’s spiritual and chaotic and joyful all at once.
Pure Corfu magic.
✅ Visitor Tips
• Arrive early for balcony views
• Stay back during pot throwing
• Wear comfy shoes (LOTS of walking)
• Bring a candle for midnight
• Expect crowds — but it’s worth it
• Book restaurants in advance
Quick Schedule – Holy Saturday Corfu 2026
• 06:00 – Earthquake service (Panagia ton Xenon)
• 09:00 – Saint Spyridon procession
• 11:00 – Pot throwing (Botides)
• 11:01 – Mastella tradition
• 21:00 – Catholic Vigil
• 22:00 – Holy Light arrival
• Midnight – Resurrection + fireworks