Residents of Thessaloniki celebrated Orthodox Easter Sunday with outdoor celebrations centred on food, music and social gatherings, in one of the most important religious and cultural events in Greece.
In Greek Orthodox tradition, Easter is the most significant celebration of the year, commemorating the Resurrection of Christ. It follows a week of religious observances known as Holy Week, culminating in midnight church services on Holy Saturday.
After a period of fasting, Easter Sunday is traditionally celebrated with communal meals, most notably the roasting of lamb on a spit. Red-dyed eggs, symbolising the blood of Christ and new life, are also central to the festivities, alongside wine and other traditional foods.
In Thessaloniki, those who remained in the city set up informal feasts on rooftops, balconies, courtyards and even pavements. Groups gathered around charcoal grills, roasting lamb and other meats, including kokoretsi, a traditional offal dish, kontosouvli, ribs, and souvlaki. Tables were filled with salads, potatoes, cheeses and spreads, while drinks such as sweet red wine and retsina were widely consumed.
The atmosphere remained lively throughout the day despite variable weather conditions, with clouds alternating with sunshine. Families and friends of all ages took part in the celebrations, maintaining a festive mood across neighbourhoods.
From the western district of Evosmos to the more affluent suburb of Panorama, grills were on fire both literally and figuratively, as residents embraced the customary Easter meal. The celebrations were enhanced by roaming street musicians who moved among groups, adding to the festive atmosphere. Traditional Greek dances, including syrtos, tsifteteli and other folk styles, formed part of the day's activities.
While many people celebrated in the city, others travelled to their villages of origin, where Easter is often observed in a more traditional, rural setting. For those who chose not to cook, local tavernas offered an alternative, although securing a reservation was necessary due to high demand.
