Palm Sunday in Corfu — Litany of Saint Spyridon
Every year on Palm Sunday, Corfu’s Holy Week celebrations begin with one of the most important and stirring events in the island’s religious and cultural calendar: the Litany of Saint Spyridon. This distinctive procession honours Corfu’s patron saint and marks the start of a week of deep spiritual observance and vibrant local tradition that culminates in Easter.
A Procession with Deep Meaning
Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, and in Corfu this day is uniquely tied to Saint Spyridon, the island’s beloved protector. According to local tradition, Saint Spyridon intervened miraculously to save Corfu from a devastating plague in the early 17th century. In gratitude, the city has held this solemn litany each Palm Sunday since — a living tribute to the saint’s enduring presence in Corfiot life.
The morning begins with a service at the Church of Saint Spyridon, after which the holy relics of the saint are carried through the streets of Corfu Town. This litany is one of the longest and most celebrated processions of the year, drawing worshippers and visitors alike.
A Unique Musical and Visual Experience
What sets Corfu’s Palm Sunday procession apart is its lively and communal spirit. Unlike more solemn processions elsewhere, Corfu’s litany blends reverence with celebration:
All 18 Philharmonic Orchestras of Corfu take part in the procession, filling the streets with music that ranges from sacred hymns to festive marches.
Residents line the route, waving palm fronds and olive branches — symbols of peace and victory — as the relics pass by.
The procession moves through historic alleys and squares, creating a vibrant tapestry of faith, sound and local identity.
This blend of music, ritual and community makes Palm Sunday one of the most moving and visually striking events during Corfu’s Holy Week.
How the Day Unfolds
The Litany of Saint Spyridon typically begins in the late morning, around 11:00 am, after the Divine Liturgy. The clergy and philharmonic bands set out from the church with the saint’s relics, and the procession winds through the Old Town.
In the evening, concerts and religious music performances often accompany the continuing celebrations of Holy Week, offering visitors a chance to experience both the spiritual and cultural dimensions of the season.
Visiting Corfu for Palm Sunday
For travellers lucky enough to be on the island during Holy Week:
Arrive early to find a good spot along the procession route, especially around the old town centre.
Listen for the philharmonic trumpets and marching bands — the musical tradition is a highlight of the day.
Combine the procession with a stroll around historic Corfu Town and a visit to Saint Spyridon’s Church, whose striking bell tower is a landmark of the island.
A Celebration of Faith and Community
Palm Sunday in Corfu isn’t just a religious observance — it’s a community event that unites tradition, music and local pride. Whether you’re attending for cultural interest, spiritual reflection or sheer curiosity, the Litany of Saint Spyridon offers a rare glimpse into the heart of Corfiot life and devotion as Holy Week begins.