Greece (GR)
Greece is a southeastern European republic and EU member state, birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and the Olympic Games, celebrated for its 6,000 sun-drenched islands, ancient ruins from the Acropolis to Delphi, vibrant Mediterranean cuisine, and a warm culture that draws expats, retirees, digital nomads, and Golden Visa investors from across the world.
Capital: Athens
Region: Europe
Language: Greek
Currency: EUR (€)
Cost of living: Affordable (index 52)
Emergency: 112
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Public Holidays 2026
14 holidays in Greece. Some may vary by region.
January 2026
Thu 1
New Year's Day Public Holiday
Πρωτοχρονιά
Tue 6
Epiphany (Theophania) Public Holiday
Θεοφάνεια / Άγια Θεοφάνεια
Blessing of the Waters ceremony. Priests throw a cross into the sea; divers compete to retrieve it.
February 2026
Mon 23
Clean Monday (Kathara Deftera) Public Holiday
Καθαρά Δευτέρα
First day of Orthodox Lent. Public holiday; families fly kites and eat Lenten foods (seafood, lagana bread, taramosalata). Date varies each year.
March 2026
Wed 25
Greek Independence Day Public Holiday
Εθνική Εορτή / 25η Μαρτίου
Military parades in Athens and cities across the country. Commemorates the 1821 War of Independence.
April 2026
Fri 10
Good Friday (Orthodox) Public Holiday
Μεγάλη Παρασκευή
Solemn day; churches hold the Epitaphios procession at night. Based on the Orthodox calendar.
Sat 11
Holy Saturday (Orthodox) Public Holiday
Μεγάλο Σάββατο
Midnight service with candle lighting (Anastasi). Most attended church service of the year.
Sun 12
Easter Sunday (Orthodox) Public Holiday
Κυριακή του Πάσχα
The most important religious holiday. Lamb on the spit, family gatherings. Date differs from Western Easter.
Mon 13
Easter Monday (Orthodox) Public Holiday
Δευτέρα του Πάσχα
Public holiday following Orthodox Easter Sunday.
May 2026
Fri 1
Labour Day Public Holiday
Πρωτομαγιά / Εργατική Πρωτομαγιά
Workers' Day. Traditionally a day for gathering flowers and making wreaths (Μαγιάτικο στεφάνι).
June 2026
Mon 1
Whit Monday (Orthodox Pentecost) Public Holiday
Αγίου Πνεύματος
Monday after Orthodox Pentecost (50 days after Orthodox Easter). Date varies.
August 2026
Sat 15
Assumption of the Virgin Mary Public Holiday
Κοίμηση της Θεοτόκου
Major religious and national holiday. Pilgrimage to Tinos island (Panagia Evangelistria). Many Greeks return to their home villages.
October 2026
Wed 28
Ochi Day Public Holiday
Επέτειος του «Όχι»
Commemorates Greece's rejection of Mussolini's ultimatum in 1940. Military and school parades across the country.
December 2026
Fri 25
Christmas Day Public Holiday
Χριστούγεννα
Sat 26
Second Day of Christmas Public Holiday
Σύναξη της Θεοτόκου
Assembly of the Mother of God. Second day of Christmas celebrations.
Note: Some holidays in Greece apply only to specific regions or states. Check local regulations for your area.