Easter in Corfu

Unique and cannot be compared to anything else in Greece. There is plenty of tradition to pleasantly surprise you in every corner of the city. One of the most characteristic customs is the concerts of opera and classical music, as well as ecclesiastical singing choirs with influences from Crete that date back to the 1700s. There is a range of events to keep you busy and satisfied.

There are specific events that take place every year. The first Resurrection takes place at 11 am on Holy Saturdays and is accompanied by joyful pealing church bells and sounds of marching bands. In the Old Town, there is a tradition of throwing clay pots from windows and balconies to crash on the streets. There are two possible explanations of this tradition; it either derives from the Venetians who were throwing old belongings on New Years Day so that the New Year would replace them, or it has pagan origins. According to Ancient Greek mythology, the tradition of smashing items aimed to wake up Persephone, the goddess of spring, to accelerate the coming of the season.

The same day at night,  you can attend the Catholic Mass of the Resurrection in Duomo, or the Orthodox Resurrection Service at the Upper Square in the Old Town. Thousands of Christian believers holding lit candles flood the streets waiting for the Resurrection of Christ which is celebrated with lots of fireworks and drum beats.