Greece celebrates 9 public holidays throughout the year. The majority of them are rooted in Catholicism. As well as the religious holidays, there are also vibrant local celebrations, including the Patras Carnival, the Athens Epidaurus Festival, and various local wine festivals.
During these public holidays, most businesses, stores/shops, cafés, and restaurants close.
Greece Public Holidays 2026
| Date | Holidays |
|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year's Day |
| January 6 | Epiphany |
| March 25 | Greek Independence Day |
| April 13 | Orthodox Easter Monday |
| May 1 | Labor Day |
| August 15 | Dormition of the Holy Virgin |
| October 28 | Ochi Day (Greek National Anniversary Day) |
| December 25 | Christmas Day |
| December 26 | Synaxis of the Mother of God |
Major Public Holidays/Festivals in Greece
Epiphany: January 6th, 2026
In Greece, Epiphany is called Fota, meaning 'Light'. On this day, there are water celebrations where a priest throws a cross into the water, such as a river, lake, or port. Young local men dive into the water to retrieve it and the person who finds it is thought to be lucky for that year.
Epiphany is a public holiday so many shops, cafés, and restaurants are closed.
Apokries (Carnival), February - March
Apokries refers to the carnival season in Greece. It is not an official holiday in Greece but a very important time of celebration. It takes place 3 weeks before the start of Lent, when there are some of the most dynamic and colorful celebrations, such as parades, costume parties, street performances, and a lively flour war.
Some of the best events and parties are held on weekends.
The best places to see the parades are the islands of Crete (the town of Rethymno in particular) and Corfu (mainly in the city of Patras).
Valentine's Day: Friday, February 14th, 2026
Although it is not a public holiday, Valentine's Day is widely celebrated in Greece. Restaurants offer special menus and florists display red roses and teddy bears.
If you plan to dine out on Valentine's Day, it's advisable to make a reservation in advance.
Easter Holy Week Easter
Holy Week is a significant religious observance in Greece leading up to Easter. The week is marked by various ceremonies and rituals.
Children have a 2-week break from school and many adults take time off to turn the long weekend into an extended holiday. Many Greeks may leave the cities to visit the islands and villages for family reunions or spend quality time in the countryside.
Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays and many shops remain closed, especially on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. Cafés and restaurants typically stay open to cater to those who prefer to enjoy Easter meals outdoors, but operating hours may vary to allow staff to attend major church services. Since Good Friday is the strictest fasting day during Lent, many restaurants close on this day. Therefore, if you plan to dine out, be sure to check in advance!
The Assumption of Mary: Friday, August 15th, 2026
The Assumption of Mary, also known as the "Dormition of the Mother of God" or "Feast of the Dormition", is traditionally a religious holiday but it serves as a chance for a vacation season.
The holiday falls in the peak of summer so many people take this chance to plan their vacation at beaches or in summer resorts. Hotel and tourist attraction prices increase during this time of year. Cities may be quieter. August 15th is a public holiday and most shops remain closed.
However, cafés, restaurants, and bars continue to operate as people celebrate the day by dining out and/or engaging in night-long festivities.
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