DISCOVERING EASTER IN GREECE: TRADITIONS AND CUSTOMS IN PATMOS 

Easter in Patmos! 

From Easter Sunday, the churches distribute to the faithful something like embroidered palm fronds in the shape of a cross or a fish. 

On Holy Wednesday, people gather at the parishes to receive the blessed oil from the priests, and on the morning of Holy Thursday, the ritual of the Washing of the Feet takes place, a tradition observed only in Patmos and Jerusalem. 

During this ceremony, the Abbot symbolically sprinkles the feet of the monks who represent the disciples of Christ, and then the procession begins towards the place of prayer, recalling Judas’ betrayal to the Roman soldiers. This particular ceremony attracts visitors from Greece and abroad to be part of it. 

On Good Friday, in addition to the procession of the Epitaphios, all households are sprinkled with local flower water, a custom rarely seen elsewhere and certainly a unique experience for visitors. 

On Easter Sunday, the Gospel is read in seven languages, and red eggs are distributed to the faithful. 
In the afternoon, at the island’s square, the Municipality offers Easter delicacies, eggs, cheese pies, sweets, and wine, accompanied by local dances, to all the residents and visitors of the island. 

On the second day of Easter, Tuesday, there is a procession of sacred icons to the homes of each parish so that everyone can receive God’s blessing. 

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Book the vehicle that suits your needs and explore the island, offering you the best driving experience for this year’s Easter!