Lazarus Saturday in Corfu — A Joyful Start to Holy Week
Corfu’s Easter celebrations begin not on Good Friday, but earlier in the week with a deeply meaningful and uniquely local tradition: Lazarus Saturday. This ancient Orthodox Christian feast marks the raising of Lazarus from the dead — the miracle that foreshadows Christ’s own Resurrection — and Corfu’s version of the day is both spiritual and festive.
What Is Lazarus Saturday?
Lazarus Saturday falls on the Saturday before Palm Sunday, and it stands at the threshold of Holy Week. In the Orthodox tradition it celebrates the story of Jesus bringing his friend Lazarus back to life, pointing forward to Christ’s own resurrection.
In Greece, and especially on Corfu, this day is marked with its own musical and communal customs that set the tone for the dramatic and emotional week ahead.
Music, Choirs & Carols Through Corfu Town
On Corfu, the key moment of the day happens in the late morning. Choirs from around the island gather at the Church of Saint Nicholas of the Elders and Saint Lazarus, which is dedicated to the saint celebrated on this day.
From there, groups of singers make their way through the narrow streets of Corfu Town’s historic centre, performing the traditional Lazarus Carols. These songs, often performed in the local dialect, recount the story of the raising of Lazarus and set a lively yet reverent atmosphere as the city enters Holy Week.
The choirs converge on the old town’s main square around midday, where they continue singing together — a moving chorus that draws locals and visitors alike to listen, reflect and enjoy the start of Easter celebrations.
Local Flavours and Traditions
Beyond music, Lazarus Saturday also brings subtle tastes of Easter. In broader Greek Orthodox practice, families prepare lazarakia — small sweet spice breads shaped like the wrapped body of Lazarus — as a traditional food for the day. These breads are made without dairy or eggs in keeping with Lenten fasting rules.
While lazarákia aren’t unique to Corfu, they contribute to the sensory experience of Easter week for many visitors who explore local bakeries and markets.
A Unique Cultural Prelude to Holy Week
For many visitors, experiencing Lazarus Saturday in Corfu is an unforgettable introduction to the island’s Easter period. The sound of choral voices moving through the old town’s streets, the sense of community among those participating, and the blend of faith and local identity create a memorable first step into a week rich with meaning and tradition.
Tips for Visiting on Lazarus Saturday
Arrive in Corfu Town by late morning to catch the choir procession as it begins.
Wear comfortable shoes — you’ll likely walk with or follow the choirs through the historic centre.
Combine your visit with a stroll around the Old Fortress, Liston, and Garitsa Bay for full cultural immersion.
Stay for Palm Sunday and Holy Week events — Corfu’s Easter celebrations are among the most distinctive in Greece.
Lazarus Saturday in Corfu is not just an event — it’s a living expression of community, faith and music that opens the door to the island’s most meaningful and dramatic week of the year.