There’s something truly magical about Easter in Greece. You can almost feel it in the air, a tickling sense of rebirth and joy. A sort of slow awakening after the winter lethargy, a true resurrection of the senses and spirits.

Easter is Greece’s the most heartfelt celebration. I still remember my first Easter in Andros a few years back - which coincided with the official opening of Mèlisses’ doors for the very first time. On Holy Saturday we drove at night all the way to the monastery of Panakranthos, one of the most beautiful and ancient monasteries of the island. The roads were winding and unpaved, but we finally managed to reach the top, where the monastery is completely carved into the mountain.

To my greatest surprise, the monastery was bursting with people, and not only people from the island, but also from the mainland. Families from all over gathered together as one big community.

We listened to the mass. There was a musicality in the words of the priest, I still remember his gestures, the strong smell of incense and the beautiful starry sky outside the chapel. We stood patiently, in a rather sombre atmosphere, and then the most magical thing happened.

All the lights went off as a symbol of Jesus' descending to the kingdom of death, and a moment later the priest exclaimed: 'Christos Anesti,' Christ has risen! And everyone lighted a candle in their hands. Suddenly the whole church square became bright and sunny once more. People were kissing and hugging each other, surrounded by a beautiful warm light. They were moments of genuine happiness and cheers I will never forget.

It was late at night and on the way back we stopped by one of our favourite restaurants in Korthi. To have the traditional lamb soup called Magiritsa that to my surprise was incredibly delicate and delicious.

For dessert we had my favourite Easter sweet - Tsoureki of course! Traditionally shaped into a braid, with each end representing the holy trinity. A soft, fluffy brioche, slightly spiced with mastic and mahlep powder... so delicious! Especially when still warm from the oven…

We had a wonderful night, but of course, the best was yet to come!

The most traditional of Greek traditions! Easter lunch with family and friends. There were more than twenty of us at the house and each of us had chores of course. Our menu included lamb on the spit; roast goat in the wood oven; Kokoretsi, my mother’s favourite thing in the world; and endless side dishes.

Meanwhile, Little Athina played with the red dyed eggs, another lovely Greek tradition. As the game suggests, each one carefully chooses an egg that seems the strongest. Then the egg cracking begins! One cracks their chosen egg on top of another’s, saying ‘Christos Anesti’ Christ has risen. The other responds, ‘Alithos Anesti’, meaning: He has risen indeed!

That year the weather was spectacular and we all had a wonderful time together. Food is a great way to connect people, but it really wasn’t just about that, it was about being united, grateful and happy for the season ahead of us.

I know this year it will be a very different Easter, and we won’t be able to go to church or have big feasts with family and friends, but we can still be thankful, have faith that better times will come, and that next year, we’ll be all celebrating as grandly as ever! Truly enjoying and appreciating every second.

Kalo Paska !

Words & photos by Allegra Pomilio

GREEK EASTER TRADITIONS