April 18, 2025
If you're ever lucky enough to find yourself on the butterfly-shaped island of Astypalaia during Easter, you'll quickly realize that this isn't just a holiday—it's a full-bodied, soul-deep celebration that brings the whole island to life. Nestled where the Dodecanese meets the Cyclades, Astypalaia carries the charm of both worlds, and nowhere is that more evident than in its Easter traditions.
A Holy Week Like No Other
Holy Week on Astypalaia begins quietly, with the locals attending daily church services in beautifully kept chapels that dot the landscape. The air is scented with wild herbs and incense, and the streets of Chora (the main town) are cleaned and whitewashed, getting ready for what’s to come. It's a week of preparation—both spiritual and communal.
One of the most touching rituals is the reenactment of the Passion of Christ on Good Friday. The Epitaphios, a flower-covered bier representing the body of Christ, is carried through narrow cobbled streets, followed by villagers holding candles in solemn silence. It’s moving, emotional, and deeply rooted in faith.
Saturday Night: Light, Fire, and Joy
Easter Saturday is when the mood begins to shift. As midnight approaches, the entire island gathers at church for the Resurrection service. Just before midnight, the lights are dimmed, and then—Christos Anesti!—Christ is Risen! Candles are lit from the Holy Flame, fireworks light up the sky over the Venetian Castle, and the bells ring out across the island in celebration.
Then comes the feast.
The Feast of Feasts
Easter Sunday in Astypalaia is a true festival of food and togetherness. Locals roast lamb on spits, prepare traditional dishes like kokoretsi, and serve up magiritsa (a soup made from lamb offal and herbs). Sweet melitinia—a local Easter cheese pastry scented with mastic and lemon—make their appearance, often homemade and offered to every guest who walks through the door.
Hospitality is second nature here. Even as a visitor, you might find yourself invited to someone’s backyard celebration, handed a glass of wine or tsipouro, and pulled into a circle dance before you even learn everyone's names.
More Than a Holiday—A Way of Life
What makes Easter in Astypalaia so special isn't just the beauty of its traditions—though those are plenty. It's the way the community comes together: every smile, every shared plate, every candle passed from hand to hand is part of something timeless.
It’s the kind of celebration that stays with you—not only for the food or the spectacle but for the way it makes you feel part of something much bigger than yourself.
So if you're planning a springtime escape to Greece, consider timing your trip with Orthodox Easter. On Astypalaia, it's not just a holiday. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.