Corfu Easter 2026 – Complete Holy Week Events Guide
Your Full Schedule, Traditions & Insider Tips
Corfu’s Easter celebration is one of the most extraordinary cultural and religious traditions in Greece — a blend of centuries-old Orthodox rites, Venetian influences, local rituals and breathtaking community spirit.
From Lazarus Saturday to Easter Tuesday, here’s everything you need to experience the magic of Easter in Corfu.
✨ Corfu Easter 2026 at a Glance
Lazarus Saturday — 4 April
Corfu’s Easter festivities begin with the ancient feast of Lazarus — spiritual services and Old Town celebrations that foreshadow the Resurrection.
Palm Sunday — 5 April
The Litany of Saint Spyridon — a moving procession honouring Corfu’s patron saint — marks the official start of Holy Week.
Holy Monday — 6 April
A reflective day with meaningful church services and quiet spiritual observance.
Holy Tuesday — 7 April
Service of the Bridegroom and the haunting Troparion of Cassiani highlight the sacred evening.
Holy Wednesday — 8 April
Washbasin service and a classical music concert make this a beautifully atmospheric midpoint of Holy Week.
Holy Thursday — 9 April
The Passion service and traditional foot-washing demonstrate the depth of Holy Week devotion.
Holy Friday — 10 April
Candlelit Epitaph processions fill the streets, accompanied by emotional philharmonic funeral marches.
Holy Saturday — 11 April
Saint Spyridon’s litany, the famous pot-throwing (botides), and midnight Resurrection celebrations are Corfu’s most iconic Easter events.
Easter Sunday — 12 April
Morning Resurrection liturgies, Saint Spyridon pilgrimage and Vespers of Love round out the joyful day.
Easter Tuesday — 14 April
Lazarus SaturdayThe traditional “Basmata of Saint Spyridon” ceremony closes the celebrations in an intimate, local atmosphere.
🌿 Holy Week in Corfu – Day by Day
Lazarus Saturday — 4 April
The raising of Lazarus is celebrated with traditional services and music in Corfu’s Old Town, bringing a spiritual start to the Easter period.
👉 View Event on Calendar — Lazarus Saturday
Palm Sunday — 5 April
The Litany of Saint Spyridon is a major cultural spectacle where Corfu’s patron saint is honoured in a historic procession that unites locals and visitors alike.
👉 View Event on Calendar — Palm Sunday
Holy Monday — 6 April
The first full day of Holy Week in Corfu is more reflective, with deep spiritual meaning and special church rites throughout the city.
👉 View Event on Calendar — Holy Monday
Holy Tuesday — 7 April
Churches across Corfu host the Service of the Bridegroom, where the Troparion of Cassiani is chanted, creating a solemn and beautiful atmosphere.
👉 View Event on Calendar — Holy Tuesday
Holy Wednesday — 8 April
A blend of religious solemnity and cultural refinement, Holy Wednesday features the Washbasin Sequence Service and a Mozart Requiem concert that travellers adore for its emotional depth and musical beauty.
👉 View Event on Calendar — Holy Wednesday
Holy Thursday — 9 April
A deeply moving evening of reflection and tradition. You can witness both Orthodox rites and the symbolic foot-washing ceremony — celebrating service, humility and devotion.
👉 View Event on Calendar — Holy Thursday
Holy Friday — 10 April
Arguably the most solemn and powerful day of the week. Churches display flower-covered Epitaphs, and candlelit processions fill the Old Town, accompanied by haunting philharmonic music that echoes through the streets.
👉 View Event on Calendar — Holy Friday
Holy Saturday — 11 April
Corfu’s most famous Easter day:
🌅 Morning — Saint Spyridon procession with the philharmonic bands playing traditional funeral marches.
🏺 11:00 — The unforgettable pot throwing (botides) ritual, filling the streets with sound and spectacle.
🌙 Night — The Holy Light ceremony, midnight Resurrection proclamation and fireworks light up the Old Town.
This is the ultimate Corfu Easter experience.
👉 View Event on Calendar — Holy Saturday
Easter Sunday — 12 April
A day of joy, renewal and celebration:
• Morning resurrection liturgies in churches across the island
• The Saint Spyridon pilgrimage with philharmonic accompaniment
• Family gatherings, feasts and joyful music continue throughout the day
• 19:30 Vespers of Love — Gospel read in many languages, symbolising unity and peace.
👉 View Event on Calendar — Easter Sunday
Easter Tuesday — 14 April
A quieter, more intimate tradition:
At 18:00, the Holy Relic of Saint Spyridon is respectfully returned to its shrine in a ceremony known as the “Basmata of the Saint”, accompanied by two of Corfu’s oldest philharmonic orchestras — a beautiful closing ritual to the Easter cycle.
👉 View Event on Calendar — Easter Tuesday
❤️ Why Easter in Corfu is Unforgettable
Corfu’s Easter celebrations are unlike anywhere else in Greece — a unique blend of Orthodox tradition, Venetian influence, philharmonic music, community rituals and centuries-old custom.
You’ll see traditions handed down for generations, ancient processions, joyful celebrations and moments of deep spiritual reflection — all within one beautiful island setting.
✅ Practical Tips for Visiting During Easter
• Book accommodation early — Holy Week is one of Corfu’s busiest seasons.
• Wear comfortable shoes — the Old Town is best explored on foot.
• Dress modestly for church services.
• Arrive early for major processions, especially Holy Saturday.
• Bring a candle for midnight Resurrection services.
• Reserve restaurants and tavernas ahead of time — Easter dinners fill up fast.
