Athina Luxury Suites: Spending the Easter Holiday on Santorini
Exploring Santorini during Easter time is a unique experience; the island’s stunning beauty, rich history, and unique traditions make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Greece.
With Easter just around the corner (Easter Sunday is on May 5), the Athina Luxury Suites boutique hotel on Santorini gives us a description on how the holiday is celebrated on the popular Greek island.
“The celebrations on Santorini are particularly unique, with the beautiful white-washed churches and the stunning backdrop of the caldera adding to the solemnity and grandeur of the Easter services,” says Panagiotis Inglesis, the co-owner and general manager of Athina Luxury Suites.
“Easter is a truly special time to visit Santorini and witness the Greek Orthodox Easter traditions.”
Easter traditions
The celebration of Easter in Greece begins on Holy Thursday when the priests decorate the Epitaphio, a symbolic tomb of Christ. The decorated Epitaphio is then carried through the streets in a procession, with the faithful following behind, singing hymns and lighting candles.
On Good Friday, the Epitaphio is carried once again through the streets, this time accompanied by the faithful carrying lit candles. The procession culminates in the church, where the Epitaphio is placed and kept until the Resurrection service.
In the traditional village of Pyrgos, as the time for the Procession of the Epitaphio is approaching, thousands of lit tin cans are placed upon the rooftops, the walls of the Kastelli and numerous of spots across the village. The village looks like its “burning” and a very unique image is created.
The Resurrection service takes place on Saturday night, where the faithful gather in the church and light candles from the Holy Flame, which is brought from Jerusalem. At midnight, the priest announces the Resurrection of Christ, and the church bells ring out in celebration. The faithful then exchange the traditional greeting “Christos Anesti” (Christ is Risen) and light fireworks to celebrate the occasion.
On Easter Sunday, families gather together to enjoy a festive meal, which typically includes lamb roasted on a spit, traditional bread called tsoureki, and red-dyed eggs, which symbolize the blood of Christ.
Staying at Athina Luxury Suites
When exploring Santorini during Easter, Athina Luxury Suites is one of the best options for accommodation and an unforgettable hospitality experience.
Situated in the heart of the picturesque capital of the island, Fira, the hotel offers breathtaking views of the caldera and the Aegean Sea.
The suites are luxurious and spacious, featuring modern amenities and traditional Cycladic architecture.
The hotel’s infinity pool provides the perfect spot to relax and soak in the stunning views of the sea and the sunset.
Additionally, the hotel offers a variety of services and amenities, including the Esperisma Bar restaurant and concierge services, ensuring that the stay of every guest is comfortable and memorable.
Press here for more information on Athina Luxury Suites.