Most religious holidays in Greece fall on the same day as they do in Western European countries, except for Easter and Pentecost (the seventh Sunday after Easter), which are still held according to the Julian calendar.

The feast of Saint Basil marks the beginning of the New Year. A special cake called vassilopita is baked with a coin in it, which brings good luck to the finder. Epiphany, on January 6, is the culmination of the Christmas season. During the Epiphany service, priests sprinkle the congregation with holy water.

The Easter season begins with a carnival called Apokriés about three weeks before Lent. During Lent, many Greeks do not eat meat, olive oil or dairy products. Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday are the most sacred days on the Orthodox calendar. Good Friday is commemorated with candlelight processions and prayers. On Holy Saturday around midnight, Greeks attend the joyful Anástasi service that ends with the greeting, Christós Anésti (Christ is risen).

Did you know? On the Saturday before Easter, it is good luck to smash a piece of china or pottery, which symbolizes the shattering of death.

On Easter Sunday, families celebrate with elaborate picnics or dinners that traditionally include roast lamb and hard-boiled eggs dyed red. Pentecost is another important Orthodox feast day.

The Assumption of the Virgin Mary is celebrated on August 15. It is also the name day for people called Mary, María, Pános and Panagiótis.

Independence Day on March 25 commemorates the beginning of the War of Independence against Turkey in 1821. It is marked by parades of the armed forces. October 28 is Óchi Day. Óchi is the Greek word for "no." It is celebrated to commemorate the successful resistance of the Greeks to the occupying forces of Italy and Germany in the Second World War.

Polytechneíon Day commemorates the student protest against the military government at the University of Athens on November 17, 1973, when the military drove tanks into the crowds of protesters, killing several students.

January 1 New Year's Day January 6 Epiphany February or March Clean Monday (beginning of Lent) March 25 Independence Day April or May Greek Orthodox Easter May 1 Labour Day May or June Pentecost (7 weeks after Easter) August 15 Assumption of the Virgin Mary October 28 Óchi Day November 17 Polytechneíon Day  December 25 Christmas Day