Greek Easter Traditions
Last week, I had the joy of returning to Greece to celebrate Easter with my family. While Easter is the most important religious holiday in the Greek Orthodox calendar, many of the customs surrounding it are also deeply cultural—and delicious!
Red Eggs and the “Tsougrisma” Game
One of the most iconic Greek Easter traditions is dyeing eggs red. Everyone participates in the game of tsougrisma—tapping eggs against one another to see whose egg survives uncracked. The last person with an unbroken egg is considered to have good luck for the year.
Easter Sunday Feast
No Greek Easter is complete without a massive outdoor feast. The centerpiece is often a whole lamb, slow-roasted on a spit over charcoal for hours. Families gather in gardens or village squares, music plays, and everyone shares in the preparation and the eating. It’s truly a social event—half cooking, half dancing!
Sweet Treats: Tsoureki and Koulourakia
During Easter, Greek homes are filled with the smell of baking. Tsoureki is a soft, braided sweet bread flavored with mahlepi and orange zest, often decorated with a red egg in the center. Another favorite is koulourakia, crunchy butter cookies twisted into little braids or spirals—perfect for dipping into coffee or nibbling while chatting with relatives.
A Time to Reconnect
For me, Greek Easter is more than a religious holiday—it’s a time to reconnect with loved ones, share laughter, and celebrate our culture. I’m always reminded how traditions passed through generations can bring so much joy and unity.
Καλή Ανάσταση και Χρόνια Πολλά!
