easter
Santorini is a breathtakingly beautiful island located in the Aegean Sea, known for its stunning sunsets, white-washed buildings, and crystal-clear waters. It is a popular tourist destination year-round, but visiting during April and Easter time can offer a unique and unforgettable experience. And there is no better place to stay than Athina Luxury Suites hotel.
One of the main reasons to visit Santorini during April is the weather. The island is known for its hot summers, but April offers mild and pleasant temperatures, making it ideal for exploring the island without feeling too hot or too cold. The crowds are also significantly smaller during this time of the year, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of Santorini without the hustle and bustle of peak season.
Easter time is also a special time to visit Santorini. The island is deeply rooted in Greek Orthodox traditions, and Easter is one of the most important religious holidays in Greece. The celebrations on the island are unique, and you can witness the solemn processions and church services that take place during Holy Week.
One of the best places to stay during your visit to Santorini is the Athina Luxury Suites hotel. Located in the heart of the picturesque capital of the island, Fira, the hotel offers breathtaking views of the caldera and the Aegean Sea. The suites are luxurious and spacious, featuring modern amenities and traditional Cycladic architecture.
The hotel’s infinity pool is the perfect spot to relax and soak in the stunning views of the sea and the sunset. The hotel also offers a variety of services and amenities, including Esperisma Bar restaurant, and concierge services, ensuring that your stay is comfortable and memorable.
Easter traditions
Greek Easter celebrations are deeply rooted in the country’s rich religious and cultural heritage. The Greek Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar, which means that Easter typically falls one or two weeks after the Western Christian Easter.
The celebration of Easter in Greece begins on Holy Thursday when the priests decorate the Epitaphio, a symbolic tomb of Christ. The decorated Epitaphio is then carried through the streets in a procession, with the faithful following behind, singing hymns and lighting candles.
On Good Friday, the Epitaphio is carried once again through the streets, this time accompanied by the faithful carrying lit candles. The procession culminates in the church, where the Epitaphio is placed and kept until the Resurrection service. In traditional village of Pyrgos, as the time for the Procession of the Epitaph is approaching, thousands of tin cans are placed upon the rooftops, the walls of the Kastelli and numerous of spots across the village, which are lightened up creating images of the Pyrgos village that will take your breath away. The village looks like its “burning” and the atmosphere is so evocative and unique, and it only happens once a year, on Good Friday.
The Resurrection service takes place on Saturday night, where the faithful gather in the church and light candles from the Holy Flame, which is brought from Jerusalem. At midnight, the priest announces the Resurrection of Christ, and the church bells ring out in celebration. The faithful then exchange the traditional greeting “Christos Anesti” (Christ is Risen) and light fireworks to celebrate the occasion.
On Easter Sunday, families gather together to enjoy a festive meal, which typically includes lamb roasted on a spit, traditional bread called tsoureki, and red-dyed eggs, which symbolize the blood of Christ.
In Santorini, the celebrations are particularly unique, with the beautiful white-washed churches and the stunning backdrop of the caldera adding to the solemnity and grandeur of the Easter services. It is a truly special time to visit the island and witness the Greek Orthodox Easter traditions.
Exploring Santorini during April and Easter time is a unique experience, and staying at Athina Luxury Suites hotel will make it even more special. The island’s stunning beauty, rich history, and unique traditions make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Greece.
Panagiotis Inglesis is the co-owner and General manager of Athina Luxury Suites, along with his wife Mrs.Artemis Argyrou. Together they had a vision to create one of the best boutique hotels in Santorini and today they continue their vision…Athina Luxury Suites is considered one of the top hotels on the island.