Public Holidays in Greece 2026 – Orthodox, National & Public Holidays
Greece observes a set of national statutory public holidays, many of which are closely tied to the Greek Orthodox Church. These holidays are legally non-working days nationwide, and under Greek law, every Sunday is also considered a public holiday.
Overview of Greek Public Holidays
By law, Greece has nine mandatory national public holidays (in addition to Sundays). Several other religious, cultural, or professional observances exist but are not uniformly non-working nationwide. Public holidays that fall on a Sunday are generally not shifted to a weekday.
List of Public Holidays in Greece (2026)
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day (Protochronia) |
| January 6 | Tuesday | Epiphany / Theophany |
| February 23 | Monday | Clean Monday (Kathará Deftera) – Start of Lent |
| March 25 | Wednesday | Greek Independence Day / Annunciation |
| April 10 | Friday | Orthodox Good Friday |
| April 12 | Sunday | Orthodox Easter Sunday (Pascha) |
| April 13 | Monday | Orthodox Easter Monday |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day / May Day (Protomagia) |
| June 1 | Monday | Holy Spirit Monday / Whit Monday |
| August 15 | Saturday | Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Dormition) |
| October 28 | Wednesday | Ochi Day (National Anniversary Day) |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day (Christougenna) |
| December 26 | Saturday | Synaxis of the Mother of God |
List of Public Holidays in Greece (2025)
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Wednesday | New Year’s Day (Protochronia) |
| January 6 | Monday | Epiphany / Theophany |
| March 3 | Monday | Clean Monday (Kathará Deftera) |
| 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 is legally considered a public holiday in Greece.
- Public holidays are not transferred if they fall on a Sunday.
- Additional observances (e.g., January 30 – Three Holy Hierarchs, November 17 – Polytechnio) are not mandatory nationwide.
Religious & Cultural Significance
Greek public holidays are deeply rooted in Orthodox Christianity. Clean Monday marks the beginning of Lent, while Holy Week and Easter represent the most spiritually significant period of the year. Assumption Day (August 15) is one of the most important Marian feasts. National holidays such as March 25 and October 28 commemorate independence and resistance, reflecting Greece’s historical identity and national pride.
Public Observance & Closures
On statutory public holidays, government offices, schools, banks, and many private businesses close nationwide. Churches host major services and processions, especially during Easter and August feasts. Since Sundays are already non-working days, many holidays 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. Public holidays falling on Sundays are not transferred to another weekday.
What is Ochi Day?
Ochi Day (October 28) commemorates Greece’s refusal of an Italian ultimatum in 1940 and symbolizes national resistance during World War II.
Are there local or sector-specific holidays?
Yes. Some observances apply only to specific regions or professional sectors, but they are not statutory nationwide holidays.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Greece reflect the country’s Orthodox faith, historical struggles, and cultural continuity. From Easter celebrations to independence anniversaries, these holidays define the rhythm of Greek civic and spiritual life.
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