Easter has arrived, the most significant celebration in Christianity, and the Municipality of Nafplio welcomes it with reverence, respect for tradition, and creativity. Easter in Nafplio is celebrated with all the solemnity and grandeur befitting this important religious event.
The city of Nafplio is adorned with flowers, purple mourning banners, and the churches are illuminated with a special colored light. In the surrounding areas, among the lit candles, the colors of blooming Easter lilies, white lilies, violets, bougainvillea and citrus blossoms dominate.
Schedule of Church Services & Events
Saturday, April 12th 2025 – Saturday of Lazarus
7:00 - Orthros and Divine Liturgy in the Churches of the city. The resurrection of Lazarus.
11:00 - Square in front of the Church of Agios Georgios -old town:
On Lazarus' Saturday, the preparation for the Lord's Great Resurrection begins and it will be celebrated with the Lazarus' carols, which will be heard in the alleys of the old town of Nafplio from children's voices. The traditional events start on Lazarus Saturday at 10:30 in the municipal units of Midea and Agios Adrianos until noon, with the "Lazaraki" tradition where women knead small bread rolls and children, forming groups, decorate Lazarus and sing the "Lazarus' carols".
12:30-13:30 - Fougaro Art Center
1. Easter Workshop: We make Lazaraki!
The Saturday of Lazarus has arrived and with it comes the sweetest Easter tradition! We knead and shape our own Lazarakia, the fragrant buns that symbolize the Resurrection of Lazarus. With cinnamon, cloves and lots of love, we learn about the tradition and create with our own hands! For children 4+years old. Participation fee: 12€.
2. Workshop: Making nests for the swallows!
Spring is here and the swallows are back! In the workshop, we learn about these wonderful migratory birds and make clay nests, ready to host our feathered friends! We create, protect nature and help the swallows find a home! For children 6+years old. Reservations are required at T: +30 27520 47370. Participation fee: 12€
16:30 - Pyrgiotika village
The Local Community and the Cultural Association of Pyrgiotika "Agios Georgios" organize Easter events. Traditional egg dyeing and baking of Easter bread. The children of the village knead "lazarakia" and Easter cookies. Finally, they decorate their candles and offer traditional treats.
17:00 - Lefkakia
The Apollonius Cultural Association of Lefkakia organizes Easter events at the Cultural Centre of Lefkakia. The event includes: Traditional carols of Lazarus, while preparing Lazarakia, sweet buns in the shape of a man, symbolizing the Resurrection of Lazarus. Presentation of the custom and its history. Curator: Mrs. Tsirou Vicky.
18:00 - Assini
Lazarus' carols from the children in the alleys of the village. Easter cookies are offered in the square of Assini. Beginning of the Easter Bazaar by the cultural association in the square.
18:00 - Evening Mass in all churches.
Sunday, April 13th 2025 – Palm Sunday
07:00 - Orthros and Divine Liturgy – Palm bearing.
On Palm Sunday, the commemoration of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem is honored and despite its joyful character, it is considered the beginning of the Holy Passion.
10:00 - Nafplio, Three Admirals' Square (in front of the Town Hall)
Local organizations, Associations and Cultural Clubs join forces to carry the message of Easter, the message of Love, Solidarity and Hope to the souls of all of us.
11:30-13:30 - King Constantine's Pedestrian Street (near Kolokotronis Park)
Easter activities with games, crafts, handicrafts and events in German language, with Easter customs in Germany by German teachers. An opportunity to create and have fun!
The activity is supported by the Goethe Institut Athen, the official institution of the German language in Greece, in cooperation with the German Embassy.
12:00 - Nafplio, Holy Church of Genesis of the Virgin (Panagia)
Concert of religious and ecclesiastical music. The Municipal Choir of Nafplio - Mixed Polyphonic Ensemble, the "Symphony" Women's Vocal Ensemble of Nafplio and the Youth Municipal Choir of Nafplio, under the teaching - direction of maestro Theodossis Antoniadis, perform and sing works of religious music from the Greek and international repertoire, as well as hymns and odes from the services of Holy Week. An excerpt from W. A. Mozart's Requiem will be presented, along with hymns of Holy Week arranged by Ioannis Sakellaridis and songs dedicated to the Virgin Mary, with poetry by Odysseas Elytis and music by Theodossis Antoniadis.
12:30-13:30 - Fougaro Art Center
Workshop: Making nests for the swallows!
Spring is here and the swallows are back! In the workshop, we learn about these wonderful migratory birds and make clay nests, ready to host our feathered friends! We create, protect nature and help the swallows find a home! For children 6+years old. Reservations are required at T: +30 27520 47370. Participation fee: 12€
19:00 - Nafplio - Bridegroom's service in the churches of the city.
Tip
Throughout all Holy Week and the Week that follows, an historical walk in the old town will be organized, after contacting Mrs. Tina Ghiola, at T: +30 697 4993 433.
Holy Monday, April 14th 2025
Memory of the Blessed Pangalos Joseph. On Great Monday, the drama of the Lord is depicted in the person of Joseph the Betrayer, and the week of the Passion begins.
07:00 - Mass of Hours and Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts
11:00-13:00 - Nafplio Cultural Gate (4, Achilleas Paraschos str., Nafplio)
"I print my own Easter Card"
Easter Printmaking Workshop. Children 5-10 y. old. Reservations are necessary, due to limited spots, T.: +30 698 7652 941.
10:00 - Kandia
In Kandia, after the end of the Divine Liturgy, the Cultural Landscaping and Educational Association of Kandia will distribute the traditional "Lazarakia" to the faithful, which young and old have kneaded on Lazarus Saturday symbolizing the Resurrection.
18:00 - Assini
Easter Bazaar by the cultural association in the square.
19:00 - Bridegroom's service in the churches of the Municipality of Nafplio.
Holy Tuesday, April 15th 2025
The Parable of the Ten Virgins
07:00 - Mass of the Hours and Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts
10:00-22:00 - Nafplio, Three Admirals' Square (in front of the Town Hall)
The Commercial and Business Association of Nafplio participates with its members in an Easter Market, with tasty delights, local products, books and crafts, giving joy to young and old.
Duration of the Easter Market until the Wednesday of Advent.
16:30-18:00 - Fougaro Art Center
Workshop: Easter cookies!
We knead, shape and create the most delicious Easter cookies, in a delightful workshop for young confectioners! For children 5+years old. Reservations are required at T: +30 27520 47370. Participation fee: 12€
19:00 - Bridegroom's service in the churches of the city.
Holy Tuesday is dedicated to the sinful woman. The famous hymn (glorifying) of the hymnographer nun Cassiani is chanted.
Nafplio, Holy Temple of Genesis of the Virgin (Panagia): The Ecclesiastical Choir of the Holy Temple of Panagia Nafplio, along with the "Symphony" Women's Vocal Ensemble and the Municipal Choir sings the hymn of Cassiani, under the direction of Mr. Theodosius Antoniadis.
Nafplio, Holy Church of Agios Anastasios: Choir at the Church of Agios Anastasios in Nafplio, under the direction of choirmaster Mr. Konstantinos Routoulas.
Holy Wednesday, April 16th 2025
The anointing the Lord myrrh prostitute woman. Day in which the Eucharist and Holy Unction is glorified in the Churches.
07:00 - Mass of Hours and Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts
10:00 - The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist (A ')
11:00-12:30 - Nafplio Cultural Gate (4, Achilleas Paraschos str., Nafplio)
"I create Easter artworks with Clay!". Ages: 5-10 years old. Reservations are necessary, due to limited seating, at T.: +30 698 7652 941.
16:30-18:00 - Fougaro Art Center
Easter workshop: Candles!
Easter is coming and it's time to create our own unique candles from natural beeswax! For children 5+years old. Reservations are required at T: +30 27520 47370. Participation fee: 12€
17:00 The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist (B ')
19:00 Bridegroom's service
Four events from the last moments of the Lord: Holy Washbasin, Last Supper (tradition of the Sacrament of Holy Communion), Prayer of Jesus on the Mount of Olives and his surrender to martyrdom.
Maundy Thursday, April 17th 2025
Four events from the last moments of the Lord: Holy Washbasin, Last Supper (tradition of the Sacrament of Holy Communion), Prayer of Jesus on the Mount of Olives and his surrender to martyrdom.
07:30 Divine Liturgy of St. Basil
Holy Thursday is the day when red eggs are traditionally dyed. The Twelve Gospels are read in all the Churches and the Epitaphs are decorated. In the evening, following the Holy Passion, the choirs give their own color and tone.
The Nafplion KDAP (Center of Children's Creative Distractions) organizes open Easter workshops, with free participation of all children:
10:30-11:30 - King Constantine's Pedestrian Street (near Kolokotronis Park)
Easter egg hunt (workshop by the KDAP)
11:30-13:00 - King Constantine's Pedestrian Street (near Kolokotronis Park)
Workshop: Candle making and egg painting (from KDAP)
16:30-18:00 - Fougaro Art Center
Easter workshop: Painting eggs!
Easter is approaching and it's time to add some color to the celebration! Come and dip your paint brushes into the color and make the most beautiful Easter eggs! For children 5+years old. Reservations are required at T: +30 27520 47370. Participation fee: 12€
19:00 Mass of Holy Passions (The Twelve Gospels)
Nafplio, Holy Church of Genesis of the Virgin (Panagia): the Ecclesiastical Choir of the homonymous church, along with the "Symphony" Women's Vocal Ensemble and the Municipal Choir chants the hymn "Today Hangs" and the "Blessings", under the direction of Mr. Theodosius Antoniadis.
Nafplio, Pilgrimage Church of Agios Anastasios: the choir of the homonymous church chants in the Mass of the Holy Passions (Twelve Gospels) under the direction of the choirmaster Mr. Konstantinos Routoulas.
22:30 - Nafplio, Metropolitan Church Square of Agios Georgios
Concert of the Nafplio Municipal Philharmonic Orchestra with mourning marches by Greek and foreign composers, under the teaching - direction of the conductor - musician Theodossi Antoniadis.
23:00 Nafplio, in the Churches of the city.
During the decoration of the Epitaphs, the music ensemble "Byzantine & Traditional echoes", under the direction of choreographer Mr. Konstantinos Routoulas, chants hymns from the Holy Week services, the Praises and the traditional Lamentation of the Virgin Mary in the city's churches.
The Choir Workshop of Nafplio, under the direction of Mr. Yiannis Nikolopoulos, chants hymns and praises from the Holy Week services during the decoration of the Epitaphs in the city's churches.
Good Friday, April 18th 2025
The Holy and horrible Passion of the Lord. It is the day of the Unnailing and the procession of the Epitaphs.
09:00 Mass of the Great Hours
11:00 Evening Mass of the Unnailing in all churches
11:00 - Divine Liturgy in the "Transfiguration of the Savior" Catholic Church, the so-called "Frangoklissia".
19:00 Nafplio - Mass of the Epitaph of Mourning.
Nafplio, "Evangelistria" Church: The Choral Workshop of Nafplio with the Youth and Adult Sections, under the direction of Mr. Giannis Nikolopoulos, chant the praises of the day.
Nafplio, Church of the Genesis of the Virgin Mary (Panagia): the Ecclesiastical Choir of the Church, under the direction of Theodosius Antoniadis, sings the hymns and the mourning procession "funebre" and "E Gennae Passae".
21:15 Nafplio - Beginning of the Procession of Epitaphs
The processions of the epitaphs of Good Friday in the historic center of Nafplio have a different color and follow a kind of ritual, which make the event more impressive. The processions of the epitaphs (of Agios Georgios and of the Panagia) come out in a defined order from each church and meet in the center of the city, in Syntagma Square. Throughout the route, the municipality will place lighted candles, which metaphorically point the way, while the Municipal Philharmonic will accompany playing mourning processions from the Greek and Italian repertoire. Instruction and direction by the Maestro and Chief Musician Theodossios Antoniadis. The local children accompany the procession of the Epitaphs of the parishes of the Municipality of Nafplio.
21:15 Tolo beach
The Divine Drama of Christ's Passion reaches its climax with the Service of the Epitaph on the evening of Good Friday. One of the most beautiful and original customs is the procession of the Epitaph in Tolo, into the sea. After the procession of the Epitaph around the district, the procession ends at the sea, to bless and sanctify the waters. The spectacle is majestic, impressive and is accompanied by boats and myrrh-bearers, who sing with enthusiasm.
Holy Saturday, April 19th 2025
The Godly Burial and the Descent of the Lord into Hades
07:00 Divine Liturgy of St. Basil
10:30 the First Resurrection
The events and customs of Holy Saturday are, perhaps, the best moments of Easter in Nafplio. It is the day when we pass from the mourning of the epitaph to the joy of the first Resurrection, which takes place here at 10:30 am. The bells of the Churches ring joyfully.
11:30 Kandia
In Kandia, after the end of the Vespers of Holy Saturday and the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil, the Cultural Landscaping and Educational Association of Kandia will offer Easter cookies and red eggs, in the courtyard of the village's Holy Church.
11:30-13:30 - Nafplio Cultural Gate (4, Achilleas Paraschos str., Nafplio)
Puppet theatre workshop, "Lamby-bitsy".
Lambie-bitsy wants to go on holiday this Easter! We are waiting for you in an Easter workshop of puppet making and play!
Ages 5-10 y.o. Reservations are necessary, due to limited spots, T.: +30 694 4865 498.
12:00-13:30 - Fougaro Art Center
Easter Workshop: We make and break our own "Boti"!
Easter in Corfu means tradition, color and... "Boties"! These ceramic jugs, which break with a loud noise to mark the Resurrection, become our inspiration this year! In the Easter Creative Workshop, we will create and decorate our own ceramic Boties, ready to be filled with imagination and festive mood! For children 6+years old. Reservations are required at T: +30 27520 47370. Participation fee: 12€
23:00 - Divine Liturgy of the Resurrection in all churches
Resurection Sunday, April 20th 2025
00:00 Orthros and Divine Liturgy of the Resurrection
The day dedicated to the roasting of the traditional lamb, to the crunching of red eggs and to the burning of Judas.
11:00 - Divine Liturgy of the Resurrection, in the "Transfiguration of the Savior" Catholic Church.
17:30 Assini
Construction of the effigy of Judas by the youth of the village and procession through all the alleys.
19:00 Midea
The Evening Mass of Love, at the Church of Saint John the Baptist. After the evening service, dances and songs of the spring Easter cycle will be performed in the square of the church, in an attempt to revive the custom of "Agapi" (Love) by the Local Community of Midea and the "Alkmini" Cultural Association of Midea.
20:00 Nafplio – Holy church of Agios Georgios
The Evening Mass of Love, at the Church of Agios Georgios.
20:00 Tolo beach
At 20:00 in Tolo, after the "Love" Mass, the burning of Judas takes place in a spectacular way on a floating platform, which is visible from all over the bay of Tolo.
Easter Monday, April 21st 2025
07:00 Festive Orthros Mass and Divine Liturgy of the Resurrection in all churches.
12:00-13:30 - Fougaro Art Center
Spring "Messy Play".
The magical world of Messy Play, the game that excites the senses, opens its doors and invites you to a unique sensory experience full of colours, textures and imagination! With clay, sand and colourful materials, we will create a spring messy play setting where play becomes discovery and fun! For children 1,5-10 years old. Reservations are required at T: +30 27520 47370. Participation fee: 12€
Easter Tuesday, April 22nd 2025
12:00-13:30 - Fougaro Art Center
Earth Day - The Tree with the Fish
In the world of the Tree of Fish, nature does not follow the rules we think we know. Trees grow in water, fish fly among the leaves and life connects in magical ways.
So does our Earth: a living organism, where everything interacts -what we do in the air, the water, the soil, comes back to us.
This Earth Day, let's think differently. Let's imagine a world where nature and humans live in perfect harmony. Where the impossible becomes possible... For children 6+ years old. Reservations are required at T: +30 27520 47370. Participation fee: 12€
Easter Wednesday, April 23rd 2025
12:00-13:30 - Fougaro Art Center
We decorate the Swing!
We celebrate spring through the ancient custom of the Swing, which symbolizes joy, rebirth and love! A workshop full of tradition, creation and spring mood! For children 5+ years old. Reservations are required at T: +30 27520 47370. Participation fee: 12€
Easter Thursday, April 24th 2025
18:00 Agia Moni, Aria area of Nafplio
Great Solemn Vespers of "Zoodochos Pigi" (Life Giving Spring).
12:00-13:30 - Nafplio Cultural Gate (4, Achilleas Paraschos str., Nafplio)
Puppet theatre workshop: "The Easter Bunny".
The Easter celebration is over... Mr. Rabbit still has a lot of work to do in the chocolate workshop and is looking for workers! We look forward to an Easter doll making and play workshop. Ages: 5-10 years old. Reservations are necessary, due to limited places, T.: +30 6944 865 498.
12:00-13:30 - Fougaro Art Center
Doodling /Scribble Art Workshop!
Discover the power of spontaneous drawing through Doodling & Scribble Art! A creative workshop full of free expression, experimentation and fun! For children 6+ years old. Reservations are required at T: +30 27520 47370. Participation fee: 12€
Easter Friday, April 25th 2025
07:00 – 10:00 Agia Moni Monastery, in Aria district of Nafplio
Resurrection Matins and Divine Liturgy with procession, in celebration of the Life-Giving Spring.
07:30 – 10:00 Tolo
The picturesque chapel of Panagia Zoodochos Pigi celebrates and rejoices on the islet of Daskaleio in Tolo, where Divine Liturgy will be held.
Boats will depart every 20 minutes from the port of Tolo to Daskaleio.
12:00-13:30 - Fougaro Art Center
Spring Flowers!
We give new life to plastic bottles and create unique, colorful spring flowers! With imagination and creativity, we learn how we can turn materials into beautiful decorative or utilitarian objects, materials that would end up in the trash. Nature inspires us -recycling gives us creative solutions! For children 5+years old.
19:30-20:00 - Fougaro Art Center - Kids' Library
WANTED! Rabbit named Ralphie, Book Thief -by Emily MacKenzie. Have you seen this rabbit? He is wanted on suspicion of the following:
Snatching novels, stealing dictionaries, dipping poetry, running away with comic books and cooking books...
He was last seen near Arthur's house. He answers to the name Ralphie (sometimes). Approach him with caution (or lettuce and carrots). Can you help us find him? And put an end to book stealing together?
The activity is recommended for 4+ year olds (with accompanying parents). Reservations are required at T: +30 27520 47370.
Sunday of Thomas, April 27th 2025
07:00 Divine Liturgy in all Holy Churches
Did you know that?
The burning of Judas in Argolis is a tradition that takes place after the Agape service, either on a floating platform visible on the beach in a spectacular way, or with gunfire, or with the explosion of Judas.
The Municipal Choir, under the direction and teaching of maestro Theodossios Antoniadis, the "Choral Workshop of Nafplio", under the direction of maestro Yiannis Nikolopoulos, and the "Byzantine & Traditional Echoes", under the direction of choir leader Mr. Konstantinos Routoulas, voluntarily participate during Holy Week in the churches of Nafplio, chanting hymns and praises.
During Holy Week, under the responsibility of the Municipality of Nafplio and the Municipal Organization of Culture, Environment and Sports, the churches in the city of Nafplio will be specially illuminated, giving a unique touch to the atmosphere of the Week of the Holy Passion.
