If you’ve ever visited Leros, you already know how special this island is. If you haven’t yet, Easter is one of the best times to experience its beauty, traditions, and warm community spirit. This is not just a religious holiday—it’s a deeply emotional, cultural, and joyful event that brings locals and visitors together in a celebration unlike any other.
Easter in Leros blends centuries-old Orthodox Christian traditions with vibrant local customs, creating a unique atmosphere that is both solemn and festive. From Clean Monday, when Lent begins, to the joyous Pascha celebrations, the entire island comes alive with faith, tradition, and a shared sense of renewal. Whether you are a returning visitor or experiencing Leros for the first time, Easter here is an unforgettable journey through spirituality and culture.
The Beginning of Lent: Clean Monday (Kathara Deftera)
Date: February 24, 2025
Easter preparations in Leros begin long before Holy Week. The journey starts with Kathara Deftera, or Clean Monday, marking the first day of Lent. This is a day of fasting and purification, where meat and dairy are avoided, and Lenten foods like lagana (unleavened bread), olives, seafood, and tahini are enjoyed. More than just a day of religious significance, Clean Monday is a celebration of nature and renewal. Families and friends gather for picnics in the hills around Agia Marina or at beaches like Alinda, flying kites and embracing the fresh spring air. This day sets the tone for the weeks of reflection and devotion leading up to Easter.
Holy Week: A Time of Deep Spirituality and Tradition
Holy Week in Leros is the heart of the Easter celebrations, filled with solemn church services, emotional processions, and meaningful traditions that bring the entire community together. Each day has its own special significance, building up to the dramatic and joyous moment of the Resurrection.
Palm Sunday (April 13, 2025)
Palm Sunday marks the official beginning of Holy Week. Churches across Leros hold services where the faithful receive and carry palm branches, symbolizing Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The atmosphere is one of reverence and anticipation as the island prepares for the sacred days ahead.
Good Friday (April 18, 2025)
Good Friday is one of the most solemn days of the year in Leros. The Epitaphios procession, a symbolic representation of Christ’s body, takes place in the evening. Each parish carries its own beautifully decorated Epitaphios through the streets, meeting at central squares where prayers are offered. The candlelit processions, the scent of incense in the air, and the hushed voices of hymns create a moving and unforgettable experience.
Holy Saturday (April 19, 2025): The Night of the Resurrection
As midnight approaches on Holy Saturday, excitement builds across the island. The Holy Fire, brought from Jerusalem, arrives in Leros, igniting the flames of candles in churches and homes. At the stroke of midnight, church bells ring joyously, fireworks light up the sky, and people greet one another with Christos Anesti! (Christ is Risen!) and Alithos Anesti! (Truly He is Risen!). The night is filled with emotion, as the solemnity of the past week turns into pure joy.
After the midnight service, families return home to break the fast with mageiritsa, a traditional soup made with lamb offal, along with red-dyed eggs symbolizing Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection. The celebration carries into the early hours, with laughter, storytelling, and music filling the homes of Leros.
Easter Sunday (Pascha): A Feast of Joy and Togetherness
Date: April 20, 2025
Easter Sunday is a day of communal joy. Across Leros, families gather to prepare and enjoy a traditional feast. Spit-roasted lamb or goat, Lampriatic buns, cheese pies, and an abundance of homemade delicacies fill the tables. Laughter, music, and warm hospitality define this day as locals open their homes to friends, neighbors, and even visitors, inviting them to share in the celebrations.
One of the most unique customs in Leros is The Burning of Judas. In village squares, an effigy representing Judas is set aflame while people sing, dance, and cheer. This symbolic act represents the triumph of good over evil and adds to the lively atmosphere of the day.
Easter Monday (Pascha Deftera): A Day of Relaxation and Reflection
Date: April 21, 2025
The celebrations don’t end on Sunday! Easter Monday is a more relaxed day, where families and friends continue gathering for picnics and outings. Many head to the beaches or the countryside, taking in the beauty of spring on the island. The joyful spirit of Easter lingers, with locals still exchanging wishes and enjoying the warm embrace of the holiday.
An Easter Experience Like No Other
Easter in Leros is more than just a religious holiday—it is a time when faith, tradition, and community come together in a spectacular display of devotion and joy. Whether you are witnessing the moving processions of Good Friday, feeling the excitement of the Resurrection at midnight, or indulging in the delicious feasts of Pascha, every moment is filled with deep meaning and warmth.
For those who visit Leros during Easter, it is not just an event—it is an experience that stays with you long after you leave. The island’s rich traditions, heartfelt hospitality, and breathtaking beauty make Easter in Leros a truly unforgettable journey. If you are looking for a way to connect with Greek culture and celebrate one of the most important holidays in the Orthodox calendar, there is no better place to be than right here on our beloved island of Leros.
We will be publishing a full schedule of the Easter events on our website, so stay tuned for all the details!
