The island of Paros holds a special place in my heart. This gorgeous island in the Aegean Sea seems to have it all, from lovely beaches, hidden bays, and ancient ruins to traditional villages lined with elegant Paros villa rentals and local tavernas serving fish and seafood delicacies.
Wish to celebrate Easter in Paros? You’ll be delighted to hear that Easter is more than just an average religious celebration on this beautiful island. It is a time of year when families return to their homes to honor the island’s heritage. In this travel guide, you will learn everything there is to know about Easter celebrations in Paros.
Why Easter is So Special in Paros
There are a few reasons why Easter in Paros is a special religious celebration. For instance, the rituals of the Holy Week have been passed down for generations. Also, the locals organize everything for weeks, from preparing food to decorating their homes.
Key Dates to Know for Greek Easter 2025
Prepare to celebrate Easter the Parian way with this list of key dates for Greek Easter in 2025.
Lazarus Saturday: April 12
Palm Sunday: April 13
Holy Week: April 14–19
Good Friday: April 18
Holy Saturday and Midnight Resurrection Service: April 19
Easter Sunday (Pascha): April 20
Easter Monday: April 21
Each day of Holy Week has its own rituals and significance, so it is best to arrive a few days before the celebrations.
Where to Celebrate Easter in Paros
Searching for a place to stay in Paros? The thing is that Easter in Paros is celebrated all across the island. However, there are a few towns and villages that are famed for their vibrant celebrations and traditions.
Parikia
One of the best places to celebrate Easter in Paros is the picturesque town of Parikia. It is the capital of the island and the central stage of the most beautiful Easter rituals. If you are thinking about celebrating Easter in Paros, I recommend booking your accommodation here. You will notice that the main churches in Parikia host services during the Holy Week. The best Easter event here is the Epitaphios procession on Good Friday, when candlelit streets and alleyways are filled with flowers.
Lefkes
Spend Easter in Lefkes, a laid-back mountain village with more of a traditional vibe. Many locals will tell you that it is the most atmospheric destination in Paros to experience Easter. Most rituals here take place at the Church of Agia Triada.
Naoussa
If you are searching for a vibrant town in Paros, spend the holiday week in Naoussa. This lively harbor town in Paros is packed with some of the best restaurants on the island. You can look forward to celebratory fireworks and the Resurrection service, which is held annually at the Church of Kimisis Theotokou
Marpissa
There is also the option of celebrating Easter in the village of Marpissa in Paros. What makes the village unique is the event on Good Friday when the locals go to the streets to reenact scenes from the Passion in the street ritual.
Holy Week Traditions in Paros
Here, you will find a list of the daily services and traditions that take place in Paros during the Holy Week.
Monday to Wednesday
Early Easter days are quiet with not that many celebrations. Visitors can attend liturgies in churches and hear locals chant and sing.
Holy Thursday
For those who don’t know, Holy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper. In many Paros homes, people color eggs in red to symbolize the blood of Jesus and his rebirth. These eggs are later used on Easter Sunday for the traditional egg-cracking ritual.
Good Friday
On Good Friday, there are many events in the streets of Paros. The most famous event is the Epitaphios, when a bier decorated with flowers that represents Christ’s tomb is carried through the streets. You will notice people lighting candles in the streets during Good Friday.
Holy Saturday
Holy Saturday is all about the Resurrection service that starts late in the evening. The highlight of the day is at midnight when the local priests chant Christ is Risen and pass the flame from one candle to another. Saturday ends with fireworks and the sounds of church bells ringing.
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday is all about celebrations. People prepare festive dishes like lamb roasts, play the red egg game, and drink lots of wine.
Must-See Local Easter Events & Customs
Marpissa Passion Play (Good Friday)
One of the most anticipated Easter events in Paros is the Marpissa Passion Play. On Good Friday, people reenact scenes from the Passion of Christ, including the Last Supper and Crucifixion. The event is held in Parikia and attracts people from all across the island.
Resurrection Fireworks
While every village on the island celebrates the Resurrection with fireworks, the best places to witness this event are Parikia and Naoussa. Join the locals with a lit candle in the streets for a memorable Easter experience.
Egg Cracking Game
Also known as Tsougrisma in Greece, the Egg Cracking Game is one of the most famous Easter customs. It is held after the midnight service and during Easter lunch on Sundays. You probably know the rules. Family and friends tap the eggs against each other to see who will have the best luck for the year.
Most Beautiful Churches to Visit During Easter
There is no shortage of churches to visit in Paros during Easter. Here is a list of my favorite ones:
Panagia Ekatontapyliani (Parikia)
One of the oldest churches in this part of Greece, Panagia Ekatontapyliani is also known as the Church of 100 Doors. The church is located in Parikia.
Agia Triada (Lefkes)
No visit to Paros on Easter is complete without stopping by the famous Agia Triada Church in Lefkes. The marble church hosts many services during the Holy Week.
Church of Kimisis Theotokou (Naoussa)
You will find the Church of Kimisis Theotokou right above the harbor in the town of Naoussa. The midnight services here are amazing the views of the city are spectacular.
Monastery of Logovarda
For a quiet and intimate Holy Week experience, visit the Monastery of Logovarda. Travelers will find this old and well-preserved monastery just outside the town of Parikia.
What to Eat During Easter in Paros
Greeks take the preparation of food during Easter very seriously. Here is a list of what foods to eat during Easter in Paros.
Holy Week is reserved for Fasting Foods
Many locals in Paros avoid eating meat, eggs, and dairy during Holy Week. If you decide to join them, there are many local dishes to enjoy. You can try Ladera, veggies cooked in olive oil. There is also Lagana which is unleavened bread, as well as the popular chickpea stew called Revithada.
Easter Sunday Feast
A local custom right after midnight mass is to eat a soup made from lamb and greens. The soup is called Magiritsa. On Easter Sunday, many traditional Greek dishes are served in Paros, including roast/goat lamb on a spit, Greek salads, red-dyed eggs for cracking, tzatziki, and different pies. If you have a sweet tooth, try the sweet braided bread with mastiha called Tsoureki.
Some of the other local culinary delights in Paros that you can try are homemade pasta with rabbit (Matsata) and a soft local cheese called Xynomizithra.
Where to Stay During Easter in Paros
Parikia
If you are looking for fun things to do in Paros, the best option is to book accommodation in Parikia. It is also the best place on the island for celebrating Easter. I recommend staying at hotels such as the Hotel Apollon Boutique, Argonauta Hotel, and Paliomylos Spa Hotel.
Lefkes
For a more authentic Easter experience, book accommodation in the village of Lefkes in Paros. You can stay at Villa Byzantino or at the Lefkes Village Hotel, which offers olive groves, spectacular mountain views, a swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant that serves local dishes.
Naoussa
There are many cool accommodation options to choose from in the town of Naoussa. Make a reservation for Easter in Hotel Scenia for amazing sunset views. If you are a fan of wellness centers, stay at the Stelia Mare Boutique Hotel.
Countryside Villas
Wish to stay in countryside villas in Paros? Rent a room/suite in Villa Aetheria, Paros Butterfly Villas, or Villa Harmony.