Easter Monday, known as 'Bright Monday' or 'Renewal Monday', is a national holiday in Greece, marking the end of the Holy Week after the celebrations of Easter Sunday. This day is celebrated with a number of manifestations of joy, marking the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, an event of great significance in the Christian faith. The celebrations on Easter Monday in Greece are particularly unique due to the distinct customs and traditions followed throughout the country.
On this day, most Greek families organize an outing or a picnic in the countryside, continuing the festive mood of Easter Sunday. It is common to see areas near churches and monasteries filled with families enjoying the traditional 'mageiritsa', a type of soup made from lamb offal, which is typically prepared for the Resurrection meal. One of the traditions of the day includes the 'Judas burning', a ritual where an effigy of Judas Iscariot is burned, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
Despite being a day off, Easter Monday also has a religious significance in Greece. Many church services are held throughout the day in remembrance of the Angel’s visit to the tomb of Christ. It is a day where the spiritual, interactive, and festive elements of Greek culture come together. Whether it's through the culinary delights, the religious rites, or the time spent in nature, Greeks celebrate Easter Monday with a spirit of regeneration and renewal, making it a unique and fascinating display of tradition and faith.