Dormition

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.

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

Known as Greece’s ‘little Easter’, the 15th of August, or Dekapentavgoustos, is when Greek families gather to celebrate the festival of the Panagia, or Virgin Mary.

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

Banks, supermarkets and public offices will be closed for the day, but restaurants, tavernas and tourist-related businesses will be open.