Key Public Holidays in Greece for 2025
Greece celebrates several public holidays throughout the year, and these dates are important for businesses to plan operations, manage employee leave, and ensure compliance with Greek labor regulations.
| Date | Holiday | Description |
|---|
| January 1 | New Year’s Day | Marks the beginning of the year with family gatherings and celebrations. |
| January 6 | Epiphany | A religious celebration marking the baptism of Jesus, featuring water blessings and special church services. |
| March 3 | Clean Monday | The first day of Lent, observed with outdoor celebrations and traditional foods, especially in coastal areas. |
| March 25 | Greek Independence Day | A national holiday celebrating Greece’s independence from Ottoman rule, with parades and cultural events. |
| April 20 | Orthodox Good Friday | A solemn day commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, observed with church services and processions. |
| April 22 | Orthodox Easter Sunday | A major religious holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, with family gatherings and traditional meals. |
| May 1 | Labor Day | A public holiday dedicated to workers’ rights, often marked with parades and demonstrations. |
| June 24 | Holy Spirit Monday | Celebrated in some regions with church services, marking the day after Pentecost in the Orthodox calendar. |
| August 15 | Assumption of Mary | A significant religious holiday in honor of the Virgin Mary, observed with special church services and regional festivals. |
| October 28 | Ochi Day | Commemorates Greece’s defiance against the Axis powers during WWII, celebrated with military parades and patriotic events. |
| December 25 | Christmas Day | Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, with family gatherings, gift exchanges, and festive meals. |
| December 26 | Boxing Day (Synaxis of the Mother of God) | A continuation of Christmas celebrations, often a day for family visits and rest. |
Additional Observances in Greece
In addition to official public holidays, Greece also has cultural and regional events that, while not official holidays, may impact work schedules and influence employee availability.
| Date | Observance | Description |
|---|
| February 14 | Valentine’s Day | A popular day for celebrating love and affection, though not a public holiday. |
| November 17 | Polytechnic Uprising Day | Commemorates the student protests of 1973; significant in educational institutions, particularly universities. |
Employer Considerations for Managing Public Holidays in Greece
National vs. Cultural Observances
Understanding both national and cultural observances can help businesses foster a respectful and inclusive workplace. While cultural events may not be official holidays, acknowledging them can positively impact employee morale.
Managing Public Holidays with EOR/PEO Services
For international employers operating in Greece, partnering with an Employer of Record (EOR) or Professional Employer Organization (PEO) simplifies holiday management by:
- Ensuring Compliance: EOR/PEO services ensure compliance with Greek labor laws, including holiday pay and employee leave.
- Payroll Adjustments: Managing payroll for holiday overtime or substitute leave is streamlined with EOR/PEO support.
- Efficient Leave Tracking: EOR/PEO services assist businesses in tracking holiday leave accurately and processing time off requests smoothly.
Holiday Pay and Compliance in Greece
Greek labor law provides for:
- Paid Leave: Employees are entitled to paid leave on official public holidays. If they work on these days, they are generally entitled to additional pay (often at a double or special rate).
- Substitute Holidays: If a holiday falls on a weekend, some companies may offer substitute leave days, based on the employment contract.
Productivity and Holiday Planning
To ensure minimal disruption during holidays, businesses can implement these strategies:
- Advance Communication: Inform employees of holiday schedules early to help them plan their leave.
- Flexible Work Arrangements: Offering remote work or flexible hours can support productivity during holiday seasons.
- Project Adjustments: Align project timelines and deadlines around holiday dates to maintain business continuity.
Final Thoughts
Understanding Greece’s public holiday calendar for 2025 enables global employers to plan effectively, ensuring smooth operations, compliance with labor laws, and an inclusive work environment. Recognizing both official holidays and cultural observances strengthens employee engagement and supports effective workforce management in Greece.
