Pieria Region: 5 reasons To spend Greek Easter In Pieria
We all know that Pieria region is a picturesque place that is known for its natural beauty, historical sites, and traditional culture. Greek Easter in Pieria is particularly special , celebrated with great enthusiasm and passion in Greece.
Here are 5 reasons why you should spend Greek Easter in Pieria!
The Beautiful Scenery in Pieria Region
Pieria is a region with stunning natural beauty, and Easter is the perfect time to explore it. You can take a walk in the forests, visit the waterfalls, or enjoy the stunning views of the sea. The spring season is the best time to see the blooming flowers and trees, which adds more beauty to the scenery. It’s a great opportunity to relax, unwind and connect with nature.
The Festive Atmosphere in Pieria Region
Greek Easter in Pieria is a time of joy and celebration. The festive atmosphere is contagious, and you can see people everywhere enjoying themselves and having fun. Whether it’s attending the religious ceremonies, participating in the traditional egg cracking game, or simply enjoying the company of family and friends, there’s always something to do and enjoy during Greek Easter in Pieria.
It’s interesting to learn about the Greek Orthodox Easter traditions. Kids get gifts from their god-parents, which usually include clothes and specially decorated Greek candles called ” Easter Lambades “. These candles are lit on Resurrection Night, during the “Anastasi” ceremony, and they come in fun colors and designs with kids’ favorite toys or cartoons on them.
The Holy Week “Megali Evdomada”
The Holy Week is the most important period of The Greek Easter in Pieria “Eater Fast”. It’s when we attend church every evening for religious ceremonies. On Holy Thursday, Greek housewives traditionally dye red eggs and bake the Greek Bread “Tsoureki”. We love to eat these on Anastasi Night and Easter Sunday. It’s a cool tradition that highlights the importance of family, faith, and food in Greek Culture.
Epitaphios procession on Good Friday
The Greek tradition of Holy Friday, also known as Good Friday, is a solemn day that marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In Pieria region, we show respect for this day by not eating meat, avoiding parties and loud music in public places.
Discover More: Celebrate Greek Easter in Pieria 2023: Live The Epitaphios procession on Good Friday!
On Good Friday evening, we attend the Epitaphios procession at the church where we can see a decorated Epitaphios taken out onto the streets for veneration.
On Saturday, folks get all set for the big party on Sunday by doing some last-minute shopping. As the evening draws closer, we head to our local church for the Resurrection (Anastasi) Ceremony, where we light candles and red eggs, and take the Holy Light. We also greet each other with the traditional ” Hristos Anesti ” which means “Christ is risen!” It’s such a joyful time, with fireworks lighting up the sky all over Greece.
Once the ceremony is over, we take the lighted candles back home and make the sign of the Holy Cross with them at the top of our doors before entering. This is believed to bring good luck to the household. Then, the whole family sits down to savor the delicious lamb soup called ” Magheritsa .” It’s a wonderful time filled with togetherness and love.
Local Greek Cuisine
If you happen to be in Pieria during the Easter season, you’re in for a treat! Apart from the religious ceremonies and traditions, the Local Greek Cuisine is something that you must experience.
The traditional Easter dishes are simply mouthwatering, including the lamb on the spit, roasted potatoes, Greek salad, and the famous tsoureki bread. Don’t forget to try the Local Pierian Wine too, it’s delicious! This is a fantastic opportunity to explore the local cuisine and learn about the unique food culture of Pieria.
On Sunday Easter, it’s a day of celebration where all Greeks come together to party with music, dances, and traditional food to celebrate the resurrection of Our Lord. The traditional food for Easter includes red eggs, tsoureki, Magheritsa lamb soup, lamb on the spit or “Kokoretsi,” which is a lamb delicacy made from lamb organs like heart, lungs, kidneys, with spices wrapped in lamb intestines and grilled.
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In fact, Greek Easter in Pieria is a unique experience that combines tradition, culture, and nature. It’s a time to celebrate faith, family, and food, and to enjoy the beauty of the region. If you’re looking for a memorable and authentic experience, then spending Greek Easter in Pieria is definitely worth it.
