|
Corfu is a vivacious island where numerous cultural, religious and artistic events are hosted throughout year, from concerts, art exhibitions and festivals, to church celebrations, seminars, symposiums, theatrical shows and local festivities.
Easter in Corfu
Celebration of Easter in Corfu is part of a unique experience and part of an extensive calendar of religious and cultural activities different from anywhere else in Greece and particularly more impressive for first-time visitors to the island, including traditions such as the Easter Saturday morning at 11.00am is the time the Pot Throwing starts, this is to mark the First Resurrection.
The Pot Throwing tradition dating back to the Venetians who used to throw all their old and useless objects and pots out of their windows on Jan1st, Just as we celebrate new years eve by opening the doors and windows to let the old year out and the new year in, and of course not forgetting the banging pans, fireworks, sounding of horns and sirens. This tradition is now carried on by local Corfiot people all over the Island, from Corfu town and surrounding villages.
Holy Week is characterised by its church services, by fasting, and by the anticipation of the Resurrection. We recommend that during Holy Week you venture out of Corfu Town and into the countryside and villages to see all of the Celebrations.
(Tip): If you want to spend Easter in Corfu, you have to book well ahead both your accommodation.
Carnival in Corfu
Carnival is also an exciting time in Corfu due to the island's unique celebration of the event. The Corfu Carnival pays tribute to Ancient Greek paganistic worship of the Olympian god Dionysus, as well as the Venetian carnival spirit, which makes it one of the most special carnivals in Greece.
Major
Festivities throughout the year:
• July – Ionian Concerts, which is a musical congress
with important artists from all over the world
• Mid-August – Varkarola Music Festival in
Palaiokastritsa
• Summer – International Festival of Philharmonics
• September – Chamber Music Festival Divertimenti
• Late October – Revolution processions throughout the
Ionian Islands
• Early November – Agios Spyridonas celebrations
Various villages festivities:
• 40 days after Easter – Celebrations in the
village of Analipsi.
• May 8 and August 15 – Celebration for the Dormition of Virgin
Mary in Kanoni and in Kassopi
• May 21 – Marathon to honor Achilles, ending up in Benitses
• June 4 – Saint John celebrations, in Mantouki and in many villages with the custom of ‘Lampantina’,
where people jump over fires
• June 24 – Holy Spirit day, with celebrations in Kontokali, Argyrades, Stavros, KastellanousMesis and in Othonoi
• July 2 – Virgin Mary of Vlaherna and festivities in Garitsa
• July 13 – Celebration for Agios Spyridonas in the old town.
• August 6 – The Metamorphosis of Jesus Christ in Pontikonisi, Perivoli, Strinila, Palaiohori, Agioi Deka, Agios Matthaios and
a 6day celebration on the peak of Mt.Pantokrator
• August 11 / first Sunday of November /
Palm Sunday and Holly Saturday – Litanies all over the island with the
participation of the philharmonics
• August 15 – Celebration in the Monastery of Platytera and all
over the island.
• September 14 – Celebration of the Holy Cross in the monastery of
Saint John and in Sidari
• September 14 – Sardine festival in Benitses
• December 24 – Bands, choruses and musicians parade around town
playing and singing Christmas Hymns.
| 
