Greece Bank Holidays and Public Holidays: Full Calendar

Planning a trip or business in Greece? Knowing the Greece Bank Holidays is your first step. The country enjoys a generous 13 national holidays each year, and this guide from Calendar Times UK gives you the complete 2025-2027 calendar. We’ve listed every date you need, from major events like Orthodox Easter and Ochi Day to all other public closures, so you can schedule your activities with confidence and never be caught off guard.

Upcoming Public Holidays in Greece: Full Calendar

Greece celebrates a mix of national and religious holidays. Banks, schools, and most public offices close on these days. The following sections provide the full Greek holiday calendar for the next three years.

Greece Bank Holidays 2025: Full List & Dates

Mark your calendars for 2025! Here is the complete list of Greek public holidays for 2025.

Greece Bank Holidays 2026: Full List & Dates

Plan with our list of Greece bank holidays 2026.

Greece Bank Holidays 2027: Full List & Dates

Looking further ahead? Here are the official Greek national holidays for 2027.

Major Greek National Holidays Explained

Beyond the dates, these holidays are the heart of Greek culture and history.

• 25th of March – Greek Independence Day: This double celebration marks Greece’s declaration of independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1821 and the religious feast of the Annunciation. It’s a day of national pride with parades and flag-waving.

• 28th of October – Ochi Day: The Ochi Day (meaning “ochi” means “No”,) commemorates Greece’s rejection of Mussolini’s ultimatum in 1940. It’s a national holiday celebrating courage and resistance, with military parades held across the country.

• 1st of May – Labour Day / May Day: This International Workers’ Day is a Greek statutory holiday. It’s also a celebration of spring, with many people spending the day outdoors picnicking and wearing flower wreaths.

Important Greek Religious Holidays

The Greek calendar is deeply intertwined with the Orthodox Christian faith.

• Orthodox Easter: This is the most significant religious celebration in Greece. The dates change yearly, which is why many people ask, “When is Greek Easter 2027?” (It’s May 2nd!). The period includes Orthodox Good Friday (a somber day), Orthodox Easter Sunday (with festive meals and fireworks), and Greek Easter Monday (a day of rest).

• Clean Monday (Kathari Deutera): This marks the beginning of Lent. Is Clean Monday a bank holiday in Greece? Yes, it is! Families fly kites and enjoy special fasting foods.

• Epiphany: Celebrated on January 6th, this day commemorates the baptism of Jesus. The “Great Blessing of the Waters” ceremony takes place, where a cross is thrown into the sea, and young men dive to retrieve it.

• Assumption of the Holy Virgin (Dormition): On August 15th, the country celebrates the Virgin Mary. It’s a major summer holiday, with many festivals and religious pilgrimages.

Other Observances in Greece (Non-Bank Holidays)

Many other observances in Greece are celebrated but are not official bank holidays. Shops and businesses generally remain open. These include:

• The Three Holy Hierarchs (January 30th)—A celebration of education.

• The Restoration of Democracy (July 24th) – Commemorates the return to democratic rule in 1974.

• Polytechneio (November 17th)—A student-led day remembering the 1973 Athens Polytechnic uprising.

• Armed Forces Day (November 21st)

• Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day are also celebrated similarly to other Western countries.

Also Read: England Bank Holidays

FAQs

Q1. Are banks closed on Greek public holidays?

Yes. Banks, public services, and most shops are closed on all official Greek public holidays. It’s always best to plan.

Q2. What is the difference between a public holiday and an observance?

Public holidays are officially mandatory holidays in Greece, where banks and most businesses close. Observances are cultural or commemorative days where life and business continue as usual.

Q3. When is Greek Easter in 2026?

Greek Orthodox Easter in 2026 falls on Sunday, April 12th. Good Friday is on April 10th, and Easter Monday is on April 13th.

Q4. Is Clean Monday a bank holiday in Greece?

Yes. Clean Monday is a national public holiday in Greece. Banks, schools, and government offices are closed.

Q5. How many public holidays are there in Greece?

There are typically between 12 and 14 official public holidays each year, providing a generous list of mandatory holidays in Greece for residents to enjoy.

We hope this guide from Calendar Times UK has been your perfect companion for understanding Greece bank holidays. From the solemnity of Orthodox Good Friday to the national pride of Ochi Day, these dates are key to experiencing the rich rhythm of Greek life.

Found this guide helpful? Explore our other resources on UK Bank Holidays, German Bank Holidays, and Spanish Bank Holidays to plan your European schedule seamlessly