Easter in Corfu
Easter in Corfu is one of the most impressive and deeply moving celebrations in Greece. It is a unique mosaic of customs, music, religious devotion, and folk traditions that attract thousands of visitors every year. Corfu, with its rich cultural heritage and influences from Venetian, French, and British rule, celebrates Easter in a way that sets it apart from the rest of Greece.
The Easter celebrations begin on Lazarus Saturday, when children walk through the villages and neighborhoods singing the traditional “Lazarus Carols,” well known to the Corfiots. From Palm Sunday, the churches fill with worshippers, and the island’s renowned philharmonic bands make their first appearances, heralding the grandeur of the days ahead. Holy Monday and Holy Tuesday pass relatively quietly, with preparations intensifying, but Holy Wednesday is notable for the solemn chanting of the Hymn of Kassiani in many churches across the town. On Holy Thursday, the Passion of Christ reaches its climax with the Crucifixion, while in the evening, a deeply symbolic event, the Washing of the Disciples’ Feet, takes place in Corfu’s Metropolitan Cathedral. In this reenactment, the Archbishop of Corfu washes the feet of twelve priests, symbolizing the humility of Christ at the Last Supper.
Good Friday is arguably the most solemn and emotional day of Holy Week. From noon onwards, the epitaph processions (symbolic funerary processions of Christ) begin from various churches across the town of Corfu. The first Epitaph to be carried through the streets is that of Panagia ton Xenon, and as the evening progresses, the streets are filled with processions from various parishes, moving through the atmospheric kantounia (narrow alleys) of the old town. The most majestic of all is the Epitaph of the Metropolitan Church, which takes place late at night. This procession is accompanied by Corfu’s three major philharmonic bands, each playing different mournful marches: The “Old” Philharmonic Society of Corfu plays Adagio by Albinoni. The “Mantzaros” Philharmonic Society performs the funeral march from Joacquin Rodrigo’s Aranjuez. The “Kapodistrias” Philharmonic Union plays Sventura by Marianni. The scene, with its flickering candlelight, the deeply moving music, and the profound religious devotion, creates an atmosphere that leaves an indelible impression on every visitor.
On the morning of Holy Saturday, the most iconic Easter tradition of Corfu takes place: the First Resurrection and the “Botides” custom. At 9:00 AM, the Holy Relics of Saint Spyridon, the island’s patron saint, are carried in procession through the town. However, the highlight of the day comes at 11:00 AM, when the famous Botides are thrown from the windows and balconies of the old town. The Botides are large, water-filled clay pots, which are hurled onto the streets below, smashing into countless pieces. This custom is believed to symbolize renewal and the casting away of the old, while some historians trace its origins to Venetian traditions, where people would throw old objects out of their windows on New Year’s Day to welcome new beginnings. Other theories suggest that the tradition dates back to Byzantine times, where it was a ritual meant to ward off evil spirits. As the Botides crash onto the ground, the philharmonic bands fill the air with triumphant marches, notably playing “Fear Not, Greeks” (Μη φοβείσθε Γραικοί), heightening the sense of jubilation and anticipation for the Resurrection.
As night falls, Corfu is illuminated by thousands of candles as the Resurrection Service takes place in Spianada Square, the largest square in Greece. The philharmonic orchestras and church choirs create a breathtaking atmosphere, and the moment the “Christos Anesti” (“Christ is Risen”) hymn is sung, fireworks light up the night sky, marking the most joyful moment of the celebration. On Easter Sunday, Corfiots celebrate with family and friends. Though roasting lamb on a spit is not a traditional Corfiot custom, it has become increasingly popular over the years. This final event extends the Easter celebrations into a grand farewell to Holy Week.
Easter in Corfu is much more than just a religious celebration—it is a cultural and musical phenomenon, an experience that engages all the senses and remains unforgettable for anyone who witnesses it. The solemn marches of the philharmonic bands, the spectacular Botides, the Epitaph processions, and the Resurrection celebrations in Spianada Square create an extraordinary atmosphere, proving that Corfu knows how to celebrate Easter like no other place. Whether you are visiting the island for the first time or reliving the magic once more, experiencing Corfu’s Easter is an opportunity that should not be missed. If you ever find yourself in Corfu during this time, embrace the unique traditions, the grandeur of the music, and the deep spirituality that make Corfiot Easter an unforgettable event.
