Greek Easter is nearly upon us, and let me tell you, 2025 is shaping up to be a big one! Why? Because this year, Greek Orthodox Easter is landing on the same date as the more widely celebrated date. This doesn't happen too often, so it’s the perfect excuse to go all out with the celebrations, gorge on some amazing food, and maybe get a bit too competitive during the egg-cracking game (no shame, we’ve all been there).
Whether Greek Easter is a tradition that’s been a part of your family for generations or you’re just in it for the tsoureki and chocolate, let’s take a closer look at what makes this time of year so special.
The Traditions That Make Greek Easter Special
Greek Easter, or Pascha, is the celebration in Greece, it even outshines Christmas! It’s all about family, faith, and of course, food. Seriously, the food! Here’s a quick rundown of what makes Greek Easter one of the most memorable times of the year:
1. The Midnight Resurrection Service & Candlelight Tradition
On Holy Saturday night, just before midnight, families gather at church for the Resurrection Service. The priest announces, “Christos Anesti!” (“Christ is Risen!”), and suddenly the church is glowing with candlelight as the Holy Flame is passed from person to person. The goal? Keep your candle lit all the way home because if you do, it’s said to bring good luck.
There’s something seriously magical about this moment. The church goes silent, everyone’s waiting for the announcement of the resurrection, and then when the priest says, "Christos Anesti!" the bells ring, and the whole place erupts in joy. People hug, share wishes, and say “Alithos Anesti!” (“Truly, He is Risen!”). It’s one of those fond memories you never forget!
After the service, families carefully carry their candles home, trying not to let the wind blow them out (or, you know, hoping they don’t set their hair on fire). Once you are home, the head of the family uses the soot from the candle to make the sign of the cross above the door, bringing blessings for the year ahead. Then it’s time to enjoy magiritsa, a traditional Easter soup made with lamb offal, lemon, and dill. It’s... definitely an acquired taste, but hey, it’s part of the tradition!
Magiritsa is typically the first meal eaten to break the 40-days of fasting, during which many people abstain from eating meat, dairy, eggs, and sometimes fish. It’s the perfect dish to gently ease the stomach back into eating meat and dairy again, preparing you for the indulgence of the Easter feast that follows!
2. The Holy Week Preparations
Greek Easter isn’t just about the big celebration on Sunday, it’s a whole week of rich traditions. Each day brings its own customs, starting with Maundy Thursday when families gather to dye/ paint eggs. On Good Friday, the atmosphere turns more sombre, with processions and church services reflecting on Christ’s crucifixion. As the week goes on, families pitch in to decorate churches with beautiful flowers and prepare for the joyous Easter feast. There’s a real sense of togetherness, with everyone getting involved, whether it’s cleaning, cooking, or just getting ready for the celebration. It’s a time for reflection, connection, and building excitement for the grand feast ahead!
Many Greeks also use this time to bake their Easter treats, with the most famous being tsoureki, the traditional sweet bread. More on that tasty treat later!
The Joy of Easter Egg Painting - A Kid Favourite!
One of the most fun and messiest Greek Easter traditions is egg painting! In Greece, kids take charge of dyeing eggs. Egg dyeing for Greek Easter is a tradition packed with meaning. The red paint for the egg represents the blood of Christ, and the egg symbolises new life and resurrection. Cracking the eggs during the Tsougrisma game also represents the breaking of Christ's tomb and his victory over death. While red has always been the classic colour, these days, families love to get creative and dye eggs in all sorts of colours, making the tradition even more fun while still holding onto its significance.
Egg painting is a huge part of Greek Easter preparation. Parents and grandparents set up the kitchen, lay out the paint, and let the kids unleash their creativity. From simple colours to intricate designs, the painted eggs become part of the Easter table decoration.
Once the eggs are painted and dried, it’s time for Tsougrisma, the ultimate egg-smashing game. The rules are simple: two people tap their eggs together, and whoever’s egg stays uncracked is the lucky winner. Pro tip: Some sneaky family members will hunt for the hardest egg…so trust no one!
Want to join in the fun? We’ve got you covered at Hellenic Grocery with:
Stock up and let the kids unleash their inner artists!
Egg painting is a great way to bring the whole family together. The laughter, the stained fingers, and the little hands carefully dipping eggs into bowls of bright dye all create memories that will last a lifetime.
Tsoureki: The Sweet Star of Greek Easter
Now, let’s talk about Tsoureki. Honestly, it’s the real reason we all look forward to Easter!
Tsoureki is a soft, sweet brioche-style bread that’s enjoyed at Easter or any time you can get your hands on it! Some say it represents the resurrection, others say it’s just an excuse to eat an unreasonable amount of carbs. Either way, we’re not complaining.
At Hellenic Grocery, we have a mouth-watering selection of Easter Tsoureki to make your Easter table complete:
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Terkenlis Tsoureki Traditional (500g) – The classic soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet brioche. A must-have.
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Terkenlis Tsoureki with Bueno Cream (750g) – Who knew Bueno and Tsoureki were a match made in heaven?
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Terkenlis Tsoureki with Chestnut Cream & White Chocolate (700g) – Sweet, nutty, and absolutely addictive.
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Terkenlis Tsoureki with Chocolate Cream & Dark Chocolate Coating (700g) – Because you can never have too much chocolate.
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Terkenlis Tsoureki with Hazelnut Praline & Milk Chocolate Coating (700g) – Like a Greek Ferrero Rocher in bread form.
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Terkenlis Tsoureki with Pistachio Cream & White Chocolate Coating (750g) – For the fancy Tsoureki connoisseurs.
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Terkenlis Easter Tsoureki Kouloura (950g) – A stunning Easter centrepiece that tastes as good as it looks.
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Terkenlis Easter Tsoureki 'Kouloura' Dark Choco (900g) – A dark chocolate-coated Easter wreath.
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Terkenlis Easter Tsoureki 'Kouloura' White Choco (900g) – A white chocolate dream!
Feeling adventurous? Bake your own with:
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Tsoureki Flour (1kg) – Specially blended for the perfect homemade tsoureki.
If you have some time and want to try making your own Tsoureki, why not give it a go? Get all the ingredients you need from Hellenic Grocery and create your very own homemade Easter treat. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or get creative with fillings, our Tsoureki Flour will ensure you bake the perfect loaf every time. Give it a try and impress your friends and family with your baking skills this Easter!
Simple Tsoureki Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1kg Tsoureki flour
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150g sugar
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10g salt
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2 large eggs
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250ml warm milk
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100g unsalted butter (melted)
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1 tablespoon orange zest (optional)
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1 egg (for egg wash)
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A handful of sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions:
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Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon of sugar in the warm milk and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
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Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Tsoureki flour, remaining sugar, salt, orange zest, and any optional spices like mahleb or mastic.
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Add the wet ingredients: Create a well in the centre of the dry ingredients, then add the activated yeast mixture, beaten eggs, and melted butter.
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Knead the dough: Mix everything together, then turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
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First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
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Shape the Tsoureki: Punch the dough down to release air. Divide the dough into 3 equal portions and roll each portion into long ropes. Braid them together to form a loaf shape, then tuck the ends underneath to seal it.
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Second rise: Place the braided dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it again with a cloth and let it rise for another 30-60 minutes.
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Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Brush the top of the dough with a beaten egg for a golden finish, and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tsoureki is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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Cool: Allow the tsoureki to cool completely before slicing and serving.
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Then simply enjoy!
Easter Sunday: The Feast of All Feasts
Greek Easter Sunday is basically a food marathon. The family gathers around the table to feast on roast lamb, kokoretsi (seasoned lamb offal), tzatziki, bread, cheeses, and more. Diet? Forget it. It’s all about celebrating with family, eating as much as you can, and raising a glass (or three) of ouzo. What’s a Greek celebration without it?
Celebrate Greek Easter with Hellenic Grocery
Whether you’re looking for traditional Easter essentials or just some delicious treats to enjoy this spring, Hellenic Grocery has everything you need to make this Easter unforgettable.
Stock up on Tsoureki, egg dyes, and all the Greek goodies you love, and let’s make April 20th, 2025, a celebration to remember!
Kalo Pascha! (Happy Easter!)
