Greece is a country rich in traditions, and its holidays are no exception. Whether it’s Easter, Christmas, or local festivals, knowing a few key Greek phrases can help you blend in and enjoy the celebrations like a true local. Here’s your guide to the must-know vocabulary for Greek holidays.
Essential Holiday Greetings
Χρόνια Πολλά
/ˈxɾoɲa poˈla/“Many years (Happy Birthday/Name Day)”
A versatile greeting used for birthdays, name days, and many celebrations. Literally means 'many years,' wishing the person a long life.
Καλές Γιορτές
/kaˈles ʝoɾˈtes/“Happy Holidays”
A general holiday greeting, especially around Christmas and Easter.
Καλό Πάσχα
/kaˈlo ˈpasxa/“Happy Easter”
The standard Easter greeting. Greeks take Easter seriously - expect fireworks, feasts, and midnight church services.
Key Holiday Foods & Traditions
Τσουρέκι
/t͡suˈɾe.ci/“Tsoureki (Easter bread)”
A sweet, braided bread often flavoured with mahlab and mastic, traditionally eaten at Easter.
Μαγειρίτσα
/maʝiˈɾitsa/“Mageiritsa (Easter soup)”
A lamb offal soup eaten after the midnight Easter service to break the fast.
Μελωμάκαρoνα
/meloˈmakaɾona/“Melomakarona (honey cookies)”
Spiced honey-dipped cookies, a Christmas staple.
Pro tip: If you’re invited to a Greek home during the holidays, bring a small gift - like sweets or wine - and be prepared to eat. A lot.
Festival & Celebration Phrases
Γλέντι
/ˈɣlen.di/“Party/Festival”
A lively gathering with music, dancing, and food. Greeks know how to throw a good γλέντι.
Χορός
/xoˈɾos/“Dance”
Traditional Greek dancing is a big part of celebrations. If someone shouts 'Πάμε για χορό!' (Let’s dance!), don’t hesitate - join in!
Καληνύχτα
/ka.liˈni.xta/“Goodnight”
Use this when leaving a late-night celebration. Greek parties often go until dawn.
Bonus: Regional Festivals
Greece has countless local festivals (πανηγύρια). Here are a few worth knowing:
- Carnival (Αποκριές) – Pre-Lenten festivities with costumes and parades, especially wild in Patras.
- Panigiri of Agios Georgios – A saint’s day celebration with feasting and dancing in villages across Greece.
- Ochi Day (28th October) – National holiday with parades and patriotic songs, commemorating Greece’s refusal to surrender in WWII.
For more on Greek culture, check out our guide on Polite Greek Manners or brush up on the Greek alphabet if you’re just starting out.
Remember: Greeks love sharing their traditions. Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, making the effort to speak a little Greek will earn you smiles - and maybe an extra serving of baklava.
