Easter (also known as “Lambri” or “Paschalia”) is considered by many to be the most important celebration of the year in Greece. During Holy Week leading up to Easter, the Passion, Crucifixion, Burial, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ are commemorated, and most people observe fasting.

In Tzoumerka, the traditions of Easter are faithfully followed. On Holy Thursday, eggs are dyed red, and Easter cookies are baked. Girls go to church and decorate the Epitaphios (a representation of Christ’s burial shroud) with colorful flowers.

On Good Friday morning, children sing traditional carols, and most people continue fasting, often even abstaining from oil. This is when they eat “floured vegetables,” a soup made from ground tender nettles and cornmeal. In the evening of Good Friday, the entire village gathers at the church for the procession of the Epitaphios. Everyone follows the procession, carrying lit candles.

Holy Saturday is the day of the Resurrection. Just before midnight, the Holy Light is distributed to the faithful, and precisely at midnight, “Christos Anesti” (Christ is Risen) is chanted. After the Easter service, everyone carries the Holy Light home with their candles. Families then gather to enjoy the traditional “magiritsa” soup, a lamb offal soup with lettuce, fresh dill, and sorrel.

Easter Sunday is the main celebration of Lambri. Early in the morning, the traditional lamb is roasted on the spit, and families and friends gather around the festive table, singing songs and dancing. At noon, relatives and friends crack red eggs and enjoy a rich meal together.