​Holy Friday in Greece is one of the most Holiest days of the year, known as Megali Paraskevi. The Vespers of Good Friday are sung and the Apocalypse of the Crucified takes place.
 
Zakynthos has its own unique way of celebrating this day. Centuries-old traditions are still being kept alive and respected by younger generations in Zakynthos. If you haven’t already noticed the church bells haven’t been ringing over the last few days, today however the bells, especially in the village areas, will strike the traditional ‘Penthos’ mourning sound.
 
Throughout the town you may see traditional black flags called ‘Pefki’ hanging from the balconies and windows. Traditions have it that even today the usual everyday chores are stopped, at the dinner table no one is seated and no tablecloth is placed.
 
From dawn today, Good Friday, Saint Dionysios is placed in his throne where he will stay until Easter Monday. The church prepares for the epitaph. A morning service sees the Crucified placed in the centre of the church. The priest reading the bible will re-enact those days leading Christ to his tomb.
 
He is slowly brought down from the cross and placed in a white sheet. The
priests will then carry him to the Alter where readings will be held. After they bring the body of Christ in litany and He is carried in a procession three times within the church walls. At the end of the service He is placed in his tomb and rose petals are placed around Him.
 
The faithful will visit their churches, light their candles and keep the spirit of Easter alive on Zakynthos.

Easter in Zakynthos is one of the most traditional, spiritual and eventful celebrations throughout Greece.
 
Preparations around the town and in the villages will soon take place, if not already. Although this year the weather has been holding those preparations back, let’s hope soon news that the weather is going to be good, it won’t be long before we see people out in their yards. There is a lot to do before Easter, Zakynthians often whitewash around their homes, fences, stables and more. Of course flowers have been planted and a general feeling that rebirth after a long harsh winter. The local council will start its preparations by whitewashing the curbs along the footpaths, even the tree trunks will
be whitewashed, it gives us all a sense of freshness and cleanliness. This is what we call our ‘springtime cleaning’ just in time for the Easter celebrations.
 
During the Holy Week which starts from this Saturday specific themes are introduced based on the scriptures from the bible. Churches during this time will open their doors to cultural events in the form of music and song.
 
I must say you actually feel like you are re-living the events that took place centuries ago, when Christ walked on this land. The events start in the morning, celebrating not only St. Lazarus but the churches are also preparing for Palm Sunday. All around the Island people have already started to make the Vai which will be dispersed around the churches in honour of Palm Sunday. At 11.00a.m this Saturday, the day of Lazurus they will decorate the church with figures of the sun, horses and bouquets around the church, of which are all made out of palm leaves, these will replace the violets that were left during Great Lent.
 
At our church of Metropolitan, in Zakynthos town just behind the square of St. Marcos, the tradition of tying palm leaves shaped in a star will take place at 12 noon. Firstly, an olive branch is tied to a rope leading up to the bell tower and then a chain made out of palm leaves is tied and at the end, the sun follows. The clergyman slowly pulling the chain up towards the bell tower finally places the sun in position on the bell tower. This tradition has been kept for centuries in honour of the day when Jesus Christ entered the city of Jerusalem.
 
On Sunday morning, the day of the “Vayia” you will see the churches full. The faithful are here to listen to the prayers and honour their saviour. They will also take home with them a small bouquet of flowers where three single sheds of palm leaves have been designed carefully and placed behind the flowers. The faithful will then place these on their icons at home. The lucky ones will take home the beautiful piece of art work, the sun or the horse to add to their collection.
 
The dish of the day is the famous Zakynthian fried cod and aliatha (αλιάδα), known more commonly on the mainland as skorthalia. Zakynthians however, have their own traditional recipe of a potato and garlic like puree that has been made with perfect portions of lemon juice, olive oil and the broth of the cod. Some have also made aliatha from bread called Psomenia aliatha (ψωμένια αλιάδα).
 
The dish is usually served with wild greens and beetroot salad. Although this week we are in strict lent, most Zakynthians if they have not started 40days ago, will start. Fish is allowed only on Palm Sunday.... it is during holy week that Lent is kept in almost every Zakynthian household.
 
As Holy week starts you will notice that churches are celebrating in style, Holy Monday a concert will be given at the church of Faneromeni, with their traditional men’s choir singing as they have done many years before during Holy Week. For those who want to
listen to true Zakynthian style Easter the concert will start within the church walls at 8.30p.m, something I personally would recommend.

When we go on holiday, many of us have an important check list, passport, tickets, suitcase etc. but what about the customs and laws of where we choose to visit? How many visitors investigate all the things they should and shouldn’t be doing in the country their travelling to?
 
Whilst Greece is an EU country, like many other places they still have certain things that if done incorrectly could upset the locals, be frowned upon or even land you with a fine. Every country in the world is different which is what makes going on holiday to another destination so special. Zakynthos is a great place, and it’s quite laid back, but we’ve put together a list of a few things that visitors should be aware of for their own peace of mind.
 
Alcohol and drugs
There are strict rules regarding both Alcohol and drugs on Zakynthos. Drinking too much and getting into a fight will see you arrested and possibly lead to being fined, especially if there’s indecent behaviour involved, such as revealing private parts of the body.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is also a big no, as this can also lead to fines or arrest. Recreational drugs of all kinds are illegal (including Class C), you can be arrested and charged for both possession and importation of them. Nitrous oxide (balloons), is also illegal on Zakynthos and may lead to fines or arrest, there are also health implications of using nitrous oxide which could land you in hospital.
 
Dress Code
There’s no strict dress code on Zakynthos, but visitors should be mindful that if they’re visiting churches or monasteries on the island, most notably Agios Dionysios, they should dress accordingly. Both men and women should refrain from wearing shorts inside a religious building and should instead wear long trousers (or long skirts if female). Any women wearing short tops, including crop tops/spaghetti straps, should cover themselves with a shawl or other top. Beach wear is strictly a no!
 
Anyone visiting the Business District, eating in a restaurant or visiting a shop or supermarket whilst on the island should also cover up, this also goes for non-beach resorts such as Zakynthos Town. Walking around Town, shops, or attempting to eat out in your swimwear is frowned upon, so please be respectful and cover up!
 
Driving
When driving on the island, you must have the correct license and insurance for the vehicle you’re hiring, whether it be car, quad or motorbike, and drivers must be aged 18years or above. Provisional licenses are not valid. Greek road users drive on the right hand side of the road, seat belts must be worn at all times, and if you’re using a quad or motorbike you must wear a helmet at all times. Please click here for a full post that is already on our website setting out useful information that you should read before hiring and driving.
 
Festivals and holidays
Zakynthos celebrates many festivals and bank holidays throughout the year. It’s a great time to immerse yourself in the cultures and traditions of the island but try and be respectful of these important times of the year. Things may not operate as normal, and some roads may be closed, or opening hours may differ. Whilst it may be frustrating that everything closes on a Bank Holiday, it is a traditional of Zakynthos, so be respectful of the island traditions.
 
Language and gestures
Whilst other languages can be very difficult to learn, it’s polite to try and learn a few words or phrases when going abroad, rather than having the expectation that everyone will speak to you in English. Greeting a local with a simple Kalimera, or receiving your meal with Efcharisto, is much more respectful, and the locals will be grateful for your trying. We all know that some words, such as curse words, may seem like a bit of harmless fun, but calling someone the M word, will not be taken well. So whilst it may seem enjoyable to curse at someone in their own language, it may cause you a lot more trouble than it’s worth!
 
There are also some hand gestures that should be avoided, to prevent confusion or upset. Don’t put the palm of your hand in front of someone’s face. In Greece this is a rude gesture and will not be taken well!
 
Prices
When you go abroad prices always vary. Whilst you may find that some things are cheaper abroad, sometimes it can be the opposite. Zakynthos is an island where items have to be shipped in, which can make them to be more expensive. Please don’t get cross with the shop keeper because your favourite brand of suntan lotion is a higher price than back home. The shop keeper isn’t ripping you off, it’s because it costs a lot more to have the items imported to the island!
 
Receipts
If you buy anything whilst on holiday on Zakynthos, ensure that you get a receipt. This includes money spent on any purchased items such as accommodation, food, drink, shop purchases etc. If a tax-department worker stops you and asks you to show a receipt and you don’t have it, you may end up with a fine. You should also ensure that your receipt states the amount you actually paid and don’t let anyone give you an excuse for not providing a receipt, they are obliged to give you one by law! You should also be aware that pirated CD’s and DVD’s are illegal in Greece and you risk arrest if you buy them.
 
Siesta
As with several other European countries, Greece operate Siesta. Many shops will open around 9am, and then close again for siesta at 2pm. They will then open again around 6pm and operate until some point in the evening, some places will stay open until midnight. It may seem unusual, but if you’re out and about, you may have to fit your day around this schedule. Most beach/tourist resorts often remain open during these times, however.
 
Smoking
Smoking has been banned in Greece since 2010, in all indoor places, including Government buildings, the airport or hotels. This includes Zakynthos. Smoking in these locations risks a €500 fine. You’ll sometimes find people smoking in some public places, such as beaches and outdoor restaurants and bars. Whilst it can be unpleasant if you’re a non-smoker, you need to be aware that things in Greece are different and you may have to move away from a smoker if it’s causing you an issue, as they’re entitled to be smoking outdoors/unless the location falls into the aforementioned category.
 
Toilets
Okay, so we don’t like talking about certain things, but this one’s necessary. The infrastructure on Zakynthos is very different due to being an island. When visiting the bathroom don’t flush toilet paper, or any other paper or disposable items. Many Greek toilet systems (especially the islands) aren’t able to cope with it. Please put all paper and other disposable items it in the basket. Most bathrooms will remind you of it.
 
Trespassing
There are certain places in the world that people want to go to and explore. Sometimes however those places are off limits, either due to health and safety reasons or because the land is privately owned, or a government site. There are a few places like this on Zakynthos. Please, for your own health and wellbeing, don’t climb along the top of the cliffs at Navagio or sit with your legs dangling over the edge. Whilst it may give you a “perfect photo” it’s incredibly dangerous, not only to you, but to those who would have to deal with the situation if it went wrong. Please use the specially created viewpoint, that’s what it’s intended for.
 
The west of the island is one of the best spots for viewing the sunset. Some of this land however is restricted, so please don’t be upset if you’re unable to access it, there are other great viewing points up at Kambi, and just past Exo Hora. Whilst Laganas Bay is perfect for taking a boat out, the islet of Peluso is private as is most of Marathonisi except for the beach.
 
Water
Whilst you can drink the tap water in Athens it’s advisable not to drink water from the taps on Zakynthos. The mineral content can g9ive you an upset stomach. Bottled water is available everywhere, so you’ll never be far from a much needed drink especially during the hot summer months!
 
Weapons
Pepper spray, knives (cm blade or more), and knuckleduster are not allowed in Greece and guns are only allowed for hunting purposes with a special license. Carrying them are not allowed.
 
Whatever you do in Zakynthos this summer, we hope you all have a great time. Enjoy the sun, the food and good company, and we hope that you go home with some wonderful lasting memories.