Good Friday – Epitaph Processions

Good Friday in Corfu is one of the most moving and solemn days of the Orthodox calendar. From early afternoon until late at night, over 30 churches across Corfu Town hold processions of the Epitaphios, the symbolic bier of Christ. These processions are accompanied by choirs, candle-bearing faithful, and solemn music from the island’s famed philharmonic bands.

Main Epitaphios – Metropolitan Cathedral (Spilia)

Time: 22:00
Location: Metropolitan Cathedral, Spilia

• 🎵 Old Philharmonic (Red): “Adagio” by Albinoni ▶️ Play


• 🎵 Mantzaros Philharmonic (Blue): “Marcia Funebre” by Verdi ▶️ Play


• 🎵 Kapodistrias Philharmonic (Bordeaux): “Elegia Funebre” by Chopin ▶️ Play

Procession Route – Metropolitan Epitaphios

The procession of the Metropolitan Cathedral begins from the Church of the Virgin Mary of Spiliotissa (Spilia) and follows a historic route through the heart of Corfu Town. The procession is accompanied by the city’s philharmonic bands, scouts, clergy, choirs and a large crowd of believers.

• Start at Spiliotissa (Spilia)
• Process along Nikiforou Theotoki Street
• Pass through Town Hall Square
• Reach the Liston & Spianada area for final prayer and gathering

Selected Epitaphios Processions

Time	Church	Area	Maps
14:00	Pantokrator	Campiello	View
16:00	St. George	Old Fortress	View
18:00	All Saints	Liston	View
20:30	St. Nicholas of the Elders	Campiello	View
22:00	Metropolitan Cathedral	Spilia	View

Moments from Good Friday in Corfu

Holy Saturday – Litany of St. Spyridon, The Botides & Resurrection

Holy Saturday in Corfu begins solemnly and ends with joyful noise. The day starts with the litany of Saint Spyridon, the patron saint of the island, and climaxes with one of Corfu’s most famous traditions — the Botides: the throwing of clay pots from balconies to celebrate the Resurrection.

🕕 06:00 – The “Earthquake” at Panagia ton Xenon

At dawn, in the Church of Panagia ton Xenon (Our Lady of the Foreigners), located in the historic district of Plakada tou Agiou, the Resurrection service includes the reenactment of the biblical earthquake. As the Gospel recounts, a great earthquake shook the earth during Christ’s resurrection. In Corfu, this is symbolized by the rhythmic shaking of chandeliers and icons inside the church, creating a dramatic and spiritually charged moment.

View on Google Maps

🕘 09:00 – Litany of Saint Spyridon

The sacred relics of Saint Spyridon are carried through the streets of Corfu accompanied by all the island’s philharmonic bands. This is the only day when the litany of Saint Spyridon coincides with the representation of Christ’s descent into Hades, a unique combination in Orthodox liturgical tradition.

Start point: Saint Spyridon Church, Corfu Town
View on Google Maps

🕚 11:00 – The Botides at Spianada Square

As church bells toll the First Resurrection, large red clay pots (called “botides”) filled with water are thrown from balconies onto the streets below, shattering with great noise. This custom is believed to have Venetian roots and symbolizes the casting away of evil spirits and the welcoming of new life and blessings.

The best viewing point is Liston and Spianada Square. Locals arrive early to reserve space!

🕚 11:00 – Mastelo Tradition in Campiello

At the same time as the Botides, another custom takes place in the traditional neighborhood of Campiello. A large wooden barrel (mastelo) filled with water and decorated with myrtle and ribbons is placed in the square. According to custom, anyone who throws a coin in it will bring good luck for the year.

Eventually, a brave (or unsuspecting!) passerby is thrown into the barrel, adding fun and laughter to the morning’s festivities.

🕛 00:00 – Resurrection Service (Anastasi)

At nightfall, thousands gather again at Spianada Square. The Resurrection Service begins shortly before midnight, culminating in the sacred moment of “Christ is Risen” (Christos Anesti), when the Holy Light is shared and fireworks light up the Corfiot sky. Bells ring joyfully, and families embrace in celebration of life and hope.

The event is centered around the Upper Square of Spianada (near the Maitland Rotunda), while most churches hold services in parallel throughout the city.

Easter Sunday – Celebration & Traditions

Easter Sunday in Corfu is a day of joy, family gatherings, and traditional feasting. After the deeply spiritual experiences of Holy Week, locals and visitors alike take to the countryside, courtyards, and villages to celebrate the Resurrection in a festive, communal spirit.

🍖 Traditional Easter Feast

The heart of the day is the Easter meal, which includes spit-roasted lamb, kokoretsi (seasoned offal wrapped in intestines), and a variety of local pies, cheeses, and salads. In every corner of the island, you’ll find family gatherings filled with laughter, music, and the irresistible aroma of roasted meat.

Red-dyed eggs are cracked in a playful tradition symbolizing the Resurrection. The cracking of eggs is also accompanied by the phrase “Christos Anesti – Alithos Anesti!” (“Christ is Risen – Truly He is Risen!”).

🥁 Music, Dance & Local Customs

In some villages and town squares, you may encounter live folk music, traditional Corfiot dances, and even small community-organized festivities. These spontaneous events capture the essence of Corfu’s joy-filled Easter spirit.

🕊️ A Day for Togetherness

Easter Sunday is less about scheduled events and more about connection — with family, neighbors, and tradition. Whether at a seaside taverna, a mountain village courtyard, or a quiet family home, the message is the same: peace, life, and renewal.

Corfiot Traditions & Local Foods

Easter in Corfu is not only about majestic processions and solemn ceremonies — it’s also about community, tradition, and of course, food. From unique local customs to delicious festive dishes, here’s what makes Easter on the island special.

🥚 Red Eggs & Easter Bread

One of the most beloved traditions is the cracking of red-dyed eggs, symbolizing the blood of Christ and rebirth. These are exchanged among friends and family, often served alongside the local sweet Easter bread known as Fogatsa, a variation of the Greek tsoureki.

🍖 The Sunday Feast

Easter Sunday brings the much-anticipated festive meal. Families and tavernas prepare lamb on the spit, kokoretsi, and a wide array of meze. Local wine flows, traditional music plays, and everyone gathers to celebrate.

🍽️ Where to Eat on Easter Sunday

Many restaurants across Corfu Town and the villages are open on Easter Sunday offering traditional dishes. Visitors are encouraged to explore local tavernas — from mountain villages to seaside spots — and check their websites or social media for menus and reviews.

✅ Below are some recommended places open on Easter Sunday:

• Avli – Alkiviadou Darrí 3-5, Corfu Town. Traditional menu, also open on Easter Monday & Tuesday.
• Ichnilatis – Acharavi village. Known for local Corfiot dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
• Porta Otturata – Platia Neou Frouriou 18-20. Authentic tastes in a classic Corfiot setting.
• Spiaggia Bianca – Merlin beach area. Traditional Easter lunch with live music.
• Kapilio Taverna – In Sokraki village. Rustic and traditional Easter dishes.
• Faliraki Café Restaurant – By the sea in Faliraki, with a festive Easter menu.

There are many more options available with a simple online search. We strongly recommend that guests make a reservation for Easter meals well in advance of their arrival, as availability is limited due to high demand.

⛴️ Ferry Reservations – Important Tip

Due to the high number of visitors during Easter week, it is strongly recommended that ferry reservations are made in advance. Demand is high and many services may be sold out or fully booked well before the date.

✅ Ferry Booking Links:

• Kerkyra Seaways
• Kerkyra Lines