Good Friday
Nationwide public holiday in Greece · Μεγάλη Παρασκευή
Dates
| Year | Date | Weekday | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 10 April | Friday | Nationwide |
| 2027 | 30 April | Friday | Nationwide |
Where it applies
Everywhere in Greece.
Is it a day off?
Yes. It is an official public holiday, so most employees have the day off. Government offices, schools and many businesses are usually closed; shops, restaurants and public transport may keep reduced hours. Check local announcements for opening times.
Make it longer
Fri 30 Apr – Tue 4 May is a 5-day weekend with no leave needed.
Plan more breaks with the leave planner.
Typical weather in Athens around 30 April: high 23°C (73°F), low 14°C (57°F), rain on 10% of days.
Averages for 2015–2024, 3 days either side of the date, for the area around Athens. Past averages, not a forecast.
Forecast for Friday 30 April in Athens: (MET Norway)
About Good Friday
In Greece, Good Friday, Megali Paraskevi, is observed according to the Orthodox calendar, so it often falls on a different date from Good Friday in Western churches. It is the most solemn day of Holy Week, when the burial of Christ is remembered.
Traditions
During the day the epitaphios, a carved wooden bier symbolising the tomb of Christ, is decorated with flowers. In the evening each parish carries its epitaphios in a candlelit procession through the streets, accompanied by hymns and mourning bells, and the faithful follow it. Many people observe a strict fast.
Editorial summary by Public Holidays World. Dates on this page come from the data source; customs vary by region and family.
Coming up next in Greece
Saturday, 1 May 2027
Good Friday in other countries
Åland Islands
Andorra
Bulgaria
Czechia
Denmark
Estonia
Faroe Islands
Finland
Germany
Gibraltar
Guernsey
Hungary
More for Greece
Holiday dates are for general information and can change. Official government announcements take precedence.