Special Greek Easter event – Good Friday – 30th April 2027
- Easter is one of the most important dates in the Greek calendar. And on this evening out, you can join in on the Good Friday celebrations. We'll pick you up from your hotel and drop you off with your guide at the Gate of St Athanasius to begin the festivities.First up is a guided walk of Rhodes old town before heading for a traditional meal in a restaurant. Then, you'll visit Agios Fanourios church, where you'll learn the history behind this tiny place of worship.Next up is the epitaph procession. Here the Epitafios – the icon depicting Christ ready for burial – is carried through town, accompanied by a choir and candle-carrying locals. Hymns are sung and all along the route, people scatter flowers. You'll soon realise why Easter is bigger than Christmas in Greece. It's a really unique experience and quite a sight to behold. After the procession, meet at Kolona harbour for pick-up and return to your hotel.
Package Options
Product Info
Purchase Notice
Reminders
Please refer to your voucher for final information regarding meeting points, pick-up locations, and pick-up time
Drinks not included
Dinner includes meze, chicken, feta and Easter halva dessert
There's a kids' menu of nuggets, pasta or vegetarian moussaka
Wear comfy shoes
FAQ
1. What specific activities and rituals are included in the Good Friday event in Rhodes?
The Good Friday event in Rhodes includes a guided walk through Rhodes Old Town, followed by a traditional meal at a local restaurant. Participants will also visit the historic Agios Fanourios church to learn about its background. The evening culminates with the solemn Epitaph procession, where locals carry the icon of Christ through town, accompanied by a choir and scattering flowers. This offers a deep immersion into Greek Easter traditions.
2. What is the cultural significance of the Good Friday celebrations in Greece, particularly in Rhodes?
Good Friday holds immense cultural significance in Greece, often considered more important than Christmas within the Greek Orthodox calendar. It is a day of deep reverence, commemorating the Passion of Christ. In Rhodes, this is observed through solemn processions, hymns, and community gatherings, reflecting the strong spiritual and traditional roots of the island. It's a profound demonstration of faith and communal solidarity.
3. Can you describe the Epitaph procession during the Good Friday event in Rhodes and its purpose?
The Epitaph procession in Rhodes is a central ritual of Good Friday. During this procession, the Epitafios, an icon depicting Christ prepared for burial, is carried through the town. It is accompanied by a choir singing hymns and locals holding candles, while people along the route scatter flowers as a sign of respect. This solemn ritual symbolizes the burial of Christ and is a deeply moving experience for participants and onlookers alike.
4. What is the typical schedule and duration of the Good Friday event activities in Rhodes?
The Good Friday event typically begins in the evening with hotel pick-up, transporting participants to the Gate of St Athanasius in Rhodes Old Town. The activities then flow from a guided walk, to a traditional meal, a visit to Agios Fanourios church, and finally the Epitaph procession. The event concludes with a pick-up from Kolona harbour for the return to your hotel, lasting several hours into the night.
5. What highlights can be expected during the guided walk through Rhodes Old Town as part of the Good Friday event?
The guided walk through Rhodes Old Town during the Good Friday event provides an immersive experience into its medieval charm and rich history. Starting near the Gate of St Athanasius, the walk allows visitors to explore the atmospheric streets and historical landmarks, setting the stage for the evening's cultural events. It's an opportunity to appreciate the town's unique architecture before the solemn procession.
6. What is the role of Agios Fanourios church in the Good Friday event in Rhodes?
Agios Fanourios church plays a significant role in the Good Friday event as a key stop for participants. Visitors will have the opportunity to visit this tiny place of worship and learn about its history and cultural importance within the local community. It offers a moment of reflection and a deeper understanding of the religious traditions central to Greek Easter celebrations in Rhodes.
7. What are the logistics for hotel pick-up and drop-off for the Good Friday event in Rhodes?
For the Good Friday event in Rhodes, convenient hotel pick-up is provided directly from your accommodation. After the evening's activities, including the Epitaph procession, participants will meet at Kolona harbour for their return transfer. From there, you will be dropped off back at your hotel, ensuring a seamless and comfortable experience without concerns about transportation.
8. What makes the Good Friday event in Rhodes a unique cultural experience for visitors?
The Good Friday event in Rhodes offers a truly unique cultural experience due to its deep immersion into authentic Greek Orthodox traditions. Visitors witness and participate in ancient rituals, such as the solemn Epitaph procession accompanied by hymns and candle-carrying locals, experiencing why Easter is celebrated with greater significance than Christmas in Greece. It’s a profound and memorable insight into local faith and community.
