Events in Zakynthos during 2012

Find here information about events in Greek-islands and its cities. Participate in the festivities and celebrations organised by the city of Zakynthos, where you will be travelling to and learn more about the locals as well as their culture.

On the Reviews page for Zakynthos, our customers share with us their experiences, this will help you get a taste of the service offered by our car hire partners in Zakynthos.

Here you will not only find information about the city of Zakynthos but also useful and resourceful tips on the most popular events in Zakynthos.

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In Zakynthos you may find events to suit all ages and tastes and the most perfect part is that they are easily accessible with your car hire. While visiting Zakynthos for business or pleasure, there is always time for you to immerse yourself in the festivals in Zakynthos, that might take place just nearby.
Enjoy exploring Zakynthos with the help of your car hire but first check out the weather on our Weather Page! Find accommodation in Zakynthos, possibly near the event you wish to attend.

January

Feast of Saint Basil (1st January) – A traditional festival in Zakynthos that is linked with good luck for the forthcoming year. The  famous ‘Vassilopita’ cake contains the lucky coin and whoever takes the slice and discovers the coin is said to be blessed with good luck for the year.
Epithany (6th January) – This is one of the most important religious festivals in the Greek calendar that delivers the ‘Blessing of the Waters’. The priest throws a cross in to the sea and swimmers compete to rescue it, the person who retrieves it is blessed with good fortune for the year.

June

Holy Spirit Day (20th June) – A celebration takes place at the church of Agia Triada for this annual religious festival in Zakynthos.

February

Aprokries (mid February) – This popular festival in Zakynthos, lasting three weeks, is a fun packed time of activities and entertainment. A ‘Mardi Gras’ like event that culminates in “Aprokries’, where the children adorn wonderful costumes and participate in pageants.
Kathari Deftera or Clean Monday (mid Feb) – Marking the 1st day of lent is this customary event in Zakynthos. Traditionally this national holiday sees children flying spectacular kites and families enjoying good food.

August

Annual Carnival “Flowers of the Levant” – This exciting annual festival in Zakynthos consists of a two week carnival, featuring dance, music and spectacular floats.
Feast of Saint Dionysos (24th August) – The church of Saint Dionysos in Zakynthos is where this annual festival in Zakynthos takes place to honour this Patron Saint.
Wine Festival (end of August - early September) – The finest wines of the island are exhibited at this annual event in Zakynthos.

March

Independence Day (25th March) – An historic day in Greek history is commemorated by this festival in Zakynthos. Saint Marks Square stages a grand parade to honour the Greek’s victory against Turkey who had ruled Greece for 400 years.

October

Ochi day or No day (28th October) – This is a national holiday in Zakynthos that remembers when Greece denied Italy occupation during the World War 2.

April

Easter Holy Week (early April) – A major religious festival in Zakynthos that includes church services throughout the week, activities and fasting.
Easter Sunday – Celebrations for this annual Orthodox festival in Zakynthos commence on the evening prior as churches are packed with Greek people holding lit candles. When the clock strikes midnight the candles are blown out and Christ is heralded as ‘having risen’. At home the traditional feast of ‘Margarita’ soup is enjoyed by all.

December

Feast of Saint Dionysos (17th December) - Honouring the death of this Patron Saint sees festivities unfold for this annual event in Zakynthos.
Christmas Eve (24th December) – The customary carol singing takes place accompanied by the triangle instrument in this annual Christmas event in Zakynthos.

May

Feast of Agia Mavra (3rd May) – The Church of Agia Mavra in the village of Maheroda is the location for this religious event. After the church ceremony, there is a splendid banquet accompanied by dancing in the square.