Baking Tsoureki & Dying Red Eggs

On Thursday evening, all of the Greeks prepare for the Holy Weekend. Everybody makes the delicious sweet Easter bread, called Tsoureki (or buys it from the bakery). This is eaten on Easter as the three braid of the bread represent the Holy Trinity. Many people even cut into the shape of a cross. Additionally, eggs are being boiled and dyed red.

Lazarakia

On Lazarus Saturday in Kalymnos and other places, there is a tradition where the women bake small raisin buns shaped as person, called “Lazarakia”.

Midnight Church Service & Candles

Late on Saturday night, before midnight all the people go to all the churches, which all seem full to bursting. Then a festival of light that is a true delight follows - at midnight the church goes dark and the bells ring out to proclaim the resurrection, and people start cheering and letting off fireworks and crackers!