Greeks are passionate about traditions and so too are ‘Kefalonites’ when it comes to holidays that are regional to the Ionian Islands, or even more localised to Kefalonia alone. Some pubic holidays fall on Friday or Monday, allowing for long weekend getaways, but certain holidays fall midweek.

Read below to see what is celebrated or commemorated on these days and see how you can join along if you happen to be visiting Kefalonia on those days during your holiday

Sunday, February 9th – Sunday, March 2nd

Apokries (Carnival)

Apokries, Greece’s carnival season, takes place during the three weeks, leading up to the beginning of Lent. This period features some of the most colorful and impressive celebrations of the year, including parades, costume parties, street performances, and outdoor festivities. The most impressive events and parties take place on the last weekend. This year, it happens to fall on March 1st and 2nd.

Thursday, February 20th

Tsiknopempti

The literal translation means “smoky Thursday” and make sure to reserve a table that evening. Serious carnivores (of which there are plenty in Greece) rate this as their favorite holiday. From noon until late in the evening outdoor barbeques are set up and the whole island smells of grilled meat. The day falls in the second week of Apokries when the church allows the consumption of meat before the Lent fast begins.

Monday, March 3rd

Clean Monday (public holiday, long weekend)

On this day, Greeks traditionally enjoy vegetarian dishes and some seafood, including squid and octopus (meat, dairy products, eggs, and fish are off the menu for the Lent fast), all accompanied by the obligatory flat, sesame-covered “lagana” bread and fish roe dip, known as taramasalata. It’s also customary to head outside to fly kites – a popular activity among kids and adults alike.

Clean Monday is a public holiday, and many stores remain closed, but cafés and restaurants stay open, as many celebrate the day by eating out.

Tuesday, March 25th

Independence Day and The Annunciation of the Lord (public holiday)

On this double holiday, celebrating both a historical and religious event, Greeks celebrate with parades and a traditional feast of batter-fried cod and garlic dip (bakaliaros skordalia). 

March 25th is a public holiday, and most stores remain closed, but cafés and restaurants stay open as many celebrate the day by eating out.

Monday, April 14th – Monday, April 21st

Easter days (some public holidays, long weekend)

The most important holiday in the Greek Orthodox church calendar is Easter. Children get two weeks off from school, and many adults also take time off work to turn the long weekend into a longer vacation. Religious services take place throughout the Holy Week, but the main events happen on Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday (April 18, 19, and 20 respectively in 2025). There are many wonderful traditions to be aware of if you’re visiting Kefalonia during these days. Find out about Easter Traditions in Kefalonia here.

Thursday, May 1st

Labor Day (public holiday)

May Day is recognized not only as Labor Day but also as a celebration of spring. While marches take place around the country, those of a less political slant focus on those traditions related to the rebirth of nature, which have roots in ancient Greek customs. Picking flowers and making wreaths is a popular activity.  

May 1st is a public holiday, and many stores remain closed, but cafés and restaurants stay open as many celebrate the day by eating out.

Wednesday, May 21st

The Unification of the Ionian Islands ( regional public holiday)

On the 5th of June 1863, Britain together with France and Russia signed the Treaty of London, to which Britain gave up its role as the head of state of the Ionian Islands. On May 21st, 1864 the Ionian Islands, Kefalonia being part of them, were officially united with Greece. To commemorate this day, throughout the region of the Ionian Islands, parades take place combined with religious services. 

If you happen to be visiting Kefalonia, on this day, you will witness parades throughout the island with the biggest and most grandeur taking place in the capital, Argostoli. Schools are closed on that day, but pupils do participate in the parades with their schools or local sports clubs and cultural societies.

Sunday, June 8th – Monday, June 9th

Pentecost & Monday of the Holy Spirit (public holiday, long weekend)

Pentecost celebrates the Holy Spirit appearing before the apostles, an event that marked the birth of the Christian Church. Religious services are held, but many Greeks don’t celebrate the day in any particular way.

Even though it’s a public holiday most stores and restaurants stay open to cater to prospective guests.

Friday, August 15th & Saturday August 16th

Ascension of the Virgin Mary & the feast of the Patron Saint of Kefalonia, St. Gerasimos (public & local holiday)

Another important day for the Greek Orthodox church is the ascension of the Virgin Mary. If you are staying in a small village you will most likely hear the church bells ring on the eve of the 15th of August and the morning of the 15th. Greeks pay their respects to the Virgin Mary and celebrate with friends and family at home.

On the 16th of August, the whole island of Kefalonia celebrates its patron saint, St. Gerasimos. If you get the chance, head to the monastery of Saint Gerasimos and witness firsthand the church festivities with processions accompanied by the local philharmonic.

Monday, October 2oth

St. Gerasimos, patron saint of Kefalonia (local public holiday)

St. Gerasimos is celebrated two times a year in Kefalonia. On October 20th, not only is the whole island celebrated but all locals who share their name with the saint, Gerasimos, Gerasimoula, Makis, and Gerasimia also celebrate. It’s a local holiday to Kefalonia with all schools and local businesses remaining shut. Some cafes and restaurants will be open to cater to visitors but do check their opening hours for the day.

Tuesday, October 28th

Ochi Day (public holiday)

Known as Ochi Day “No Day”, the Greeks celebrate their Prime Minister, Ioannis Metaxas’ response to Benito Mussolini on this date in 1940. The then-Greek prime minister responded with a firm ‘NO’ to Mussolini’s demand for free movement into Greece. With this response, Greece entered WWII on the side of the Allies.

Ochi Day is a public holiday, and many stores remain closed, but cafes and restaurants stay open as many celebrate the day by eating out.

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