How to Celebrate Greek Easter in Rhodes Like a Local

As spring breathes life into the landscape, the island comes alive with faith, color, and celebration. From the solemn rituals of Holy Week to the joyful explosion of light and sound at the Resurrection, Greek Easter in Rhodes, known as Pascha in Greece and Lambri in Rhodian dialect is a truly magical experience. With centuries-old customs, and the warm hospitality of the Rhodian people, Easter here is not just a religious holiday—it’s a heartfelt celebration of life, renewal, and community.

The preparation of Easter for Orthodox Christians begins 40 days before, on Clean Monday, when the fasting from food and passions begins, and culminates on Holy Saturday with the Resurrection. This period is called Sarakosti.

Palm Sunday to Holy Wednesday: A Journey of Faith

From Palm Sunday to Holy Wednesday, usually in the villages of Sianna, Kritinia, Monolithos, Embonas and Agios Isidoros, there’s a beautiful tradition where the icon of the Virgin Mary of Skiadeni is carried from one village to the next. Each night, the icon stays in the village church, and locals gather to sing hymns through the night. The next day, people from the next village walk over, collect the icon, and carry it on foot to their church. After visiting all the villages, the icon is returned to the Holy Monastery of Panagia Skiadeni. It’s a heartfelt way for the locals to express their gratitude to the Virgin Mary — and as a visitor, it’s something truly special to witness.

Sweet Scents of Easter

From Great Monday to Great Wednesday, the smell of Easter in Rhodes fills the air! Locals bake traditional Easter cookies, known as koulourakia, often using traditional wood-fired ovens. If you’re nearby, you’ll definitely catch the delicious aroma drifting through the streets.

Holy Thursday: The Dyeing Eggs

On Holy Thursday, another popular custom is dyeing eggs red. The red symbolizes the blood of Christ, and the egg itself represents the tomb — sealed, but full of life. These days you might see eggs in other colors, but red is the one steeped in tradition. For Orthodox Christians, red also stands for joy.

Also on this day, many families prepare dolmadakia — vine leaves stuffed with rice — a tasty, meatless dish that’s part of the day’s customs.

Great Friday: A Night of Light and Silence

Great Friday on Rhodes is a truly special day, especially if you’re in one of the island’s villages. In the morning, the women gather flowers from their gardens and head to the main church, where they begin decorating the epitaphios — the symbolic tomb of Christ. In some villages, this tradition starts at dawn, right after the reenactment of the Crucifixion.

By Friday evening, the atmosphere becomes even more moving. Across the island — from the tiniest village churches to the big ones in Rhodes Town — people gather for the epitaphios procession. Everyone holds candles and follows the epitaph through the streets in a quiet, candlelit tribute.

If you’re in Laerma Village, you’ll see a particularly unique touch: small fires are lit along the path of the procession. And if you’re in Rhodes Town, make sure not to miss the processions at Agios Panteleimon and Agios Fanourios in the Medieval Town — both are incredibly atmospheric. As the epitaph returns to the church, it’s a local tradition for people to pass underneath it to receive a blessing. It’s one of the most powerful and emotional moments of Easter on the island.

Holy Saturday: Bonfires, Light & Resurrection

Holy Saturday brings one of the most spectacular customs: the Kalafounoi. In many villages, young locals gather in the afternoon to bring large logs close to the church. There, they light huge bonfires in preparation for the Resurrection later that night. In some places, they even burn an effigy of Judas — usually after midnight or the next day.

The Resurrection Service itself is an unforgettable experience. Just before midnight, churches all over Rhodes fill with people holding candles, waiting to receive the Holy Light. When the priest announces “Christos Anesti!” (Christ is Risen), the church bells ring out, fireworks go off, and the joy is truly contagious.

After the service, everyone heads home — carrying the Holy Light — sits down and the egg-cracking begins, known as “Tsougrisma”, the winner is the last person with an uncracked egg. Then the Magiritsa or Patsas is served, a traditional Easter soup made with meat. It’s the first non-fasting meal after many days of Lent and marks the beginning of the Easter feast.

Easter Sunday: Feast, Joy & Togetherness

Easter Sunday is the big day — full of celebration, family, and of course, food! Around noon, church bells ring again, calling people to the Vespers of Love service, where the Gospel is read in many different languages.

After church, it’s time to feast! In nearly every home, families gather for a traditional Easter meal, and the star of the show is Lambriotis — a mouthwatering dish of goat stuffed with rice and spices. It’s usually prepared the day before and slow-cooked overnight in a traditional wood-fired oven.

If you’re in one of the island’s traditional villages, you’ll find Lambriotis on the menu at local tavernas — a must-try Easter specialty!

Easter Monday: The Vournes Custom

If you’re still on the island for Easter Monday, don’t miss the lively tradition of Vournes in the village of Agios Isidoros — it’s truly one-of-a-kind!

In the village square, a “popular court” is set up, and the fun begins. Secretly appointed “police” bring forward “offenders,” and if they don’t pay their “fines,” they’re thrown into a large tank of water — fully clothed! It’s all in good fun, of course, and the laughter soon gives way to dancing, music, and plenty of food as the village comes together to celebrate one last time. It’s a lighthearted and joyful way to wrap up the Easter festivities — and it’s exclusive to this village!

Greek Easter is unique, and on the island of Rhodes you will experience special moments with the locals that you will carry with you forever. The people of Rhodes are dedicated to maintaining their traditions and customs, particularly in the villages. For this reason, if you plan to spend your holiday on the Emerald Isle during the Greek Easter festivities, we suggest either staying in or visiting one of its many traditional villages to immerse yourself in the local Easter celebrations.

Kali Anastasi!