The Most Traditional Foods for Greek Orthodox Easter
The Most Traditional Foods for Greek OrthodoxEaster
Traditional foods play a central role in Greek Orthodox Easter celebrations, reflecting both religious symbolism and cultural heritage. Here are some of the most common traditional foods enjoyed during Greek Orthodox Easter:
When is Greek Easter?
Usually Greek Orthodox Easter is a week or two after Easter in Western Christianity however this year (2024) it is almost 5 weeks later. It is calculated based on the Julian calendar, whereas Western Easter is calculated based on the Gregorian calendar. However, occasionally, the dates coincide. Greek Orthodox Easter usually occurs between early April and early May.
Normally Greek Easter is during the UK’s Easter school holidays making any flights to Greece quite expensive however this year with the long break between them, the flights were not too bad. This delay made me decide to visit a friend who lives just outside of Athens to experience Greek Orthodox Easter for myself.
Church is very important and celebrations are held on the Thursday, Friday, Saturday and culminating in family feasts on Easter Sunday.
What do Greeks eat for the Easter celebrations?
Lamb: Roast lamb is the quintessential centre piece of the Easter feast, symbolising the Lamb of God sacrificed for the sins of humanity. It is often seasoned with garlic, lemon, olive oil and herbs, then slow roasted until tender and flavourful.
Tsoureki is a sweet, braided bread flavored with orange zest and often decorated with sesame seeds or slivered almonds. It is symbolic of the resurrection and is commonly enjoyed during Easter breakfast or as a dessert throughout the day.
Magiritsa: is a traditional Greek Easter soup made from lamb offal, such as liver, heart, and intestines, combined with greens like lettuce, dill, and onion. It is typically served after the Midnight Resurrection Service as a symbol of breaking the Lenten fast.
Kokoretsi: Kokoretsi is a savory dish made from skewered and grilled offal, including liver, heart, and lungs, wrapped in intestines. It is a delicacy enjoyed during Easter celebrations, especially among those who appreciate its rich and unique flavors.
Avgolemono Soup: Avgolemono soup is a classic Greek dish made from chicken broth, rice or orzo, lemon juice, and beaten eggs. It is creamy, tangy, and comforting, often served as a starter or side dish during the Easter feast. This is one of my favourite gGreek soups – fresh and lemony.
Spanakopita and Tiropita: Spanakopita is a savory Greek pie filled with spinach, feta cheese, onions, and herbs, while Tiropita is a similar pie filled with a mixture of cheeses. Both are popular additions to the Easter table, enjoyed as appetizers or side dishes.
Dolmades: Dolmades are grape leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes ground meat. They are a favorite Greek appetizer and are often served as part of the Easter feast.
Easter Cookies (Koulourakia): Koulourakia are buttery, crumbly cookies often flavored with vanilla or citrus zest and shaped into various forms, such as braids, twists, or rings. They are a beloved Easter treat enjoyed with coffee or tea.
Baklava: Baklava is a rich and sweet pastry made from layers of phyllo dough, chopped nuts (usually walnuts or pistachios), and honey syrup. It is a popular dessert during Greek Easter celebrations, offering a decadent finale to the meal.
These are just a few examples of the diverse and delicious foods enjoyed during Greek Orthodox Easter, showcasing the rich culinary traditions and flavours of Greece. I will of course be returning to Greece as often as I can in the future!
This was only one of the special Greek special days I have attended. Here are a few other special events I have been lucky enough to experience:
Ochi Day
Ochi Day is a national holiday in Greece observed on the 28th October each year. This is the day that commemorates the rejection of the Italian ultimatum on October 28, 1940, by Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas. This refusal led to Greece’s entry into World War II.
The day is celebrated with military parades and school parades as well as ceremonies and speeches. I was really privileged to experience this.
Kite Flying Day:
Kite Flying Day is also know as Clean Monday, the day before Lent. Clean Monday is also known as Ash Monday or Pure Monday and is a symbol of spiritual cleanliness and renewal. It fall typically 48 days before Easter Sunday.
It is a national holiday with picnics by the beach and loads of people flying kites of different shapes and sizes. It’s a time for families to get together by the beach if possible or anywhere they can gather for a meeting with friends and family. When I was there the sky was a deep blue without many clouds which showed off the kites beautifully.
Other Important Traditions:
The tradition of Friday the 13th being full of bad luck in the United Kingdom and Unites States is associated with Tuesday the 13th in Greece. It is associated with the fall of Constantinople.
Name Days: traditionally a child is not named at birth until it is baptised. Name days are celebrated with as much gusto if not more than birthdays.
Plate Smashing: A modern tradition often observed in Greek restaurants. It is a way of expression of joy and appreciation of music. After 1969 throwing flowers has taken over in many places.
Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos (Κοίμηση της Θεοτόκου). This is celebrated on the 15th August each year This day commemorates the “Dormition” (or “falling asleep”) of the Virgin Mary, meaning her departure from earthly life and her assumption into heaven.
Further Reading:
If you want to read more about my travels to Greece click on the links below;
Thessaloniki: Come for the Culture – Stay for the Food
Make Melomakarona – Greek Christmas Cookies
Corfu – Three Amazing Beaches and a Boat Trip
Disclaimer:
All of the opinions and photographs in this post are my own. No photographs may be reproduced in any manner without my written permission.
