Public holiday in Greece
Dormition of the Virgin Mary in Greece
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Nationwide public holiday
Dormition of the Virgin Mary is a nationwide public holiday in Greece on 15 August. It is one of the country’s major Orthodox feasts and a key summer observance for churches, families and communities.
About Dormition of the Virgin Mary in Greece
In Greece, Dormition of the Virgin Mary is both a religious feast and a public holiday observed nationwide on 15 August. The day marks the Orthodox commemoration of the Virgin Mary’s falling asleep, and it is closely linked to summer travel and village gatherings because many people are on holiday at this time of year. It is one of the most visible named feasts in the Greek calendar, with churches and monasteries drawing large numbers of worshippers.
History
The feast belongs to the Orthodox liturgical calendar and has long been observed in Greece as the principal August celebration dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Its national public-holiday status reflects the country’s Orthodox Christian tradition rather than a separate modern political commemoration.
Traditions
In Greece, the day is associated with church attendance, especially at services dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and with pilgrimages to monasteries and shrines named for her. Many communities mark the feast with local religious celebrations and gatherings, often followed by family meals.
How Dormition of the Virgin Mary is celebrated in Greece
Contemporary observance is centred on Orthodox worship, with many people attending liturgy or visiting monasteries and churches. In island, rural and urban areas alike, the holiday also serves as a focal point of the summer period, when families who have travelled away may return home or meet for shared meals and visits.
Interesting facts
The holiday is often called the “summer Easter” in Greece because of its prominence in the Orthodox calendar and the scale of public observance. It falls during the peak of the Greek summer, so travel and family reunions are especially common around the date.
Dates in published calendars
| Year | Holiday date | Observed date | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 15 Aug 2026 | — | Nationwide |
Import sources
- Generic ICS feed
An import is not an independent verification.