The feast day of Dormition, also known as Assumption Day, is the principal feast day of the Virgin Mother Mary in Greece, when according to Christian tradition, God assumed the Virgin Mary into heaven following her death, leading to the celebration often being referred to as the “Easter of the Summer”.

It is celebrated annually in Greece on August 15 and is an official public holiday.

The day starts with church services, especially lavish in churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary (Panagia), followed in many towns and villages with parades, traditional dancing and feasting. Many events take place during the day, so we advise you to ask locally regarding any festivities in your area.

Banks and public offices will be closed for the day, but restaurants, tavernas and tourist-related businesses will be open. Large supermarkets, if open, may apply equivalent opening times to Sundays, opening at 10:00 or 11:00.