Public Holidays in Greece
Greece observes a set of national statutory public holidays, many tied to the Greek Orthodox Church. These holidays are legally non-working days nationwide, and Greek law also considers every Sunday a public holiday.
Overview of Greek Public Holidays
By law, there are nine mandatory national public holidays in Greece (in addition to Sundays). Many other religious or local observances exist but are not always non-working nationwide. Public holidays that fall on a Sunday are generally not shifted to a weekday.
List of Public Holidays in Greece (2025)
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Wednesday | New Year’s Day (Protochronia) |
| January 6 | Monday | Epiphany / Theophany (Feast of Baptism) |
| March 3 | Monday | Clean Monday (Kathará Deftera) – start of Lent |
| March 25 | Tuesday | Greek Independence Day / Annunciation |
| April 18 | Friday | Orthodox Good Friday |
| April 20 | Sunday | Orthodox Easter Sunday (Pascha) |
| April 21 | Monday | Orthodox Easter Monday |
| May 1 | Thursday | Labour Day / May Day (Protomagia) |
| June 9 | Monday | Holy Spirit Monday / Whit Monday |
| August 15 | Friday | Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Dormition) |
| October 28 | Tuesday | Ochi Day (National Anniversary Day) |
| December 25 | Thursday | Christmas Day (Christougenna) |
| December 26 | Friday | Synaxis of the Mother of God |
Notes & Observations
- Every Sunday of the year is legally considered a public holiday in Greece.
- Public holidays are not transferred if they fall on Sundays.
- Additional observances (e.g., The Three Holy Hierarchs on January 30, Polytechnio on November 17) are not mandatory nationwide.
Religious & Cultural Significance
Greek holidays are heavily rooted in Orthodox Christianity. Clean Monday begins the fasting period of Lent. Holy Week (Good Friday to Easter Monday) is the most spiritually important season. Assumption Day in August is a major Marian celebration. National days like March 25 and October 28 commemorate independence and wartime resistance, reflecting national identity and pride.
Public Observance & Closures
On national statutory holidays, government offices, schools, banks, and many private businesses close. Churches hold processions and services with large public participation. Since Sundays are legally holidays, many annual observances naturally coincide with existing rest days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many mandatory public holidays does Greece have?
Greece has nine mandatory national public holidays (in addition to Sundays).
Does Greece shift holidays that fall on Sundays?
No. A public holiday that falls on a Sunday is not normally moved to a different weekday.
What is Ochi Day?
Ochi Day (October 28) commemorates Greece’s refusal to accept an Italian ultimatum in 1940, symbolizing national resistance during World War II.
Are there local or sector-specific holidays?
Yes. Some observances are tied to specific regions, communities, or professional sectors (such as schools), but they are not mandatory non-working days nationwide.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Greece highlight the country’s Orthodox heritage, national history, and cultural traditions. From Easter celebrations to independence anniversaries, these holidays form an essential rhythm of Greek civic and spiritual life.
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