School Holidays in Greece 2024-2025
Contents
Ever wondered how Greek students spend their breaks? Greece is not only known for its history and stunning landscapes but also its rich blend of cultural celebrations, which shape the school calendar. As the 2024-2025 academic year begins, let’s explore the holiday schedule for Greek schools and what it means for families, students, and even businesses. When does the school year start, and what impact do these holidays have on daily life across Greece?
Overview of School Holidays in Greece 2024-2025
The Greek school year typically begins in early September and ends in late June. In the 2024-2025 academic year, the school year began on September 9, 2024 (Monday) and will end on June 30, 2025 (Monday). With seasonal breaks, public holidays, and special school closures, students get several opportunities to relax and recharge throughout the year. During these holidays, all schools close, while many businesses, especially in the tourism sector, remain open to cater to the influx of visitors and locals celebrating these special days. Families often take advantage of the half term breaks in April. This period offers mild climate conditions, making them ideal for family-friendly activities and travel options in Greece.
| Holiday Period | Dates | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Winter Break | December 21 – January 6 | 2 weeks |
| Easter Break | April 18 – April 21 | 2 weeks |
| Summer Break | June 30 – Early September | ~3 months |
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The School Year in Greece
The school year in Greece typically kicks off in early September and wraps up by the end of June, spanning a total of 32 weeks of instruction. This school calendar is meticulously set by the Ministry of Education, Research and Religious Affairs, ensuring uniformity across all schools in Greece. The academic year is divided into two semesters, providing a structured yet flexible framework for students and educators alike.
The first semester runs from September to December, culminating in a well-deserved Christmas break. This festive period allows students to recharge and enjoy the holiday season with their families. The second semester picks up in January and continues until June, with a significant break for Easter in March or April. These breaks not only offer students a chance to relax but also align with major cultural and religious celebrations in Greece, making the school year a harmonious blend of education and tradition.
Public Holidays in Greece 2024-2025
Public holidays in Greece, which are heavily influenced by Orthodox Christian traditions, is an opportunity for families to celebrate and for students to take a break from school. On national holidays, such as Ochi Day (28 October), Greek Independence Day (25 March), and Easter, schools, government offices, and many businesses would close and celebrations, parades, or religious ceremonies would typically occur in towns and cities everywhere.
The key national holidays in Greece for 2024-2025 are as follows:
| Year | Date | Holiday | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 28 October | To Ochi (Ohi Day) | Commemorates Greece’s refusal to surrender to the Italian dictator in 1940. |
| 17 November | Polytechneio | School holiday only: Marks the 1973 student protests against the Greek military junta. | |
| 25 December | Christougenna (Christmas) | Celebrates Christmas. | |
| 26 December | Synaxis Theotokou | Honours the Mother of God. | |
| 2025 | 1 January | Protochronia (New Year’s Day) | Celebrates the start of the New Year. |
| 6 January | Theofania (Theophany) | Celebrates Christ’s baptism in the River Jordan. | |
| 30 January | Trion Ierarchon | School holiday only: A tribute to the patron saints of education, St. Basil, St. Gregory, and St. John. | |
| 3 March | Kathari Deftera (Clean Monday) | Marks the beginning of Lent, celebrated with picnics and outdoor activities. | |
| 25 March | Eikosti-pempti Martiou | Dual celebration: 1. Anniversary of the start of Greek War of Independence (1821), 2. Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. | |
| 18 April | Megali Paraskevi (Good Friday) | Observes Good Friday as part of the Orthodox Easter celebrations. | |
| 20 April | Kyriaki tou Pascha | Celebrates Easter Sunday. | |
| 21 April | Deutera tou Pascha | Marks Easter Monday. | |
| 1 May | Ergatiki Protomagia (Labour Day) | Celebrates Labour Day with community gatherings and traditional events. | |
| 9 June | Aghiou Pnevmatos | Known as Whit Monday or Pentecost Monday, celebrated 50 days after Easter. |
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Public and Private School Term Breaks in Greece 2024-2025
Greek schools follow a national calendar, with minor variations between private and public institutions. International schools in Greece may align slightly differently with holidays to accommodate the schedules of expatriate families and visiting students. For example, those international schools following the International Baccalaureate (IB) may schedule an earlier spring break and start their summer break to accommodate the IB exams taking place in May every year.
| Holiday Period | Public Schools | International Schools |
|---|---|---|
| Winter Break | December 21 – January 6 | Aligns with Public Schools |
| Easter Break | April 18 – April 21 | May vary by a few days |
| Summer Break | June 30 – Early September | Similar duration, exact dates vary |
Additional School Holidays in Greece
Apart from national holidays in Greece, there are also local or regional holidays and celebrations that can differ. Other holidays include significant national and religious observances such as New Year's Day, Epiphany, and Orthodox Easter, which are important in Greek cultural and religious practices. For instance:
- Local Patron Saints’ Days: Many towns have a specific day dedicated to their local saint. For example, on St. Demetrios in Thessaloniki (October 26, 2024), the patron saint is celebrated with parades and a day off work and school for its residents, while it is a regular working day elsewhere.
- Religious Festivals: Some islands or towns have unique religious festivals, like the Assumption of Mary on the island of Tinos (15 August, 2025) or the feast day of St. Spyridon in Corfu (12 December, 2024).
- Local Customs for National Holidays: Certain customs during national holidays can also vary, such as the style of processions on Good Friday or the Easter Saturday firework displays that differ in intensity and tradition from town to town.
While the main holidays are shared, these regional customs make holiday observances in Greece uniquely varied depending on location. Therefore, it is best to check with your specific school and local government office for the exact holiday dates.
List of School Holiday Activities Ideas
With a diverse range of holiday activities, students in Greece can enjoy their break through educational, cultural, and recreational experiences:
- Private Tutoring: For students keen on maintaining academic momentum, private tutoring offers personalised support across subjects, ideal for those preparing for the IB. IB Tutors in Greece are available for various subjects.
- Maths Enrichment Workshops: Strengthen problem-solving skills and develop advanced concepts in IB Maths through engaging and interactive workshops. For students studying under the IB curriculum, IB Maths Tutors in Greece offer sessions that blend learning with fun.
- Biology Field Trips: Students can deepen their understanding of ecosystems with guided field trips that align with the IB Biology curriculum. IB Biology Tutors in Greece can further provide students tailored insights into topics like marine biology and conservation.
- English Literature Camps: Participate in immersive English camps that explore literature analysis, writing, and public speaking, perfect for aspiring IB English scholars. IB English Tutors in Greece provide valuable guidance on honing language skills.
- Physics Experiments Workshops: Dive into hands-on learning with physics workshops that explore principles of mechanics, electricity, and magnetism. IB Physics Tutors in Greece guide students through lab work and experimental analysis.
Conclusion
School holidays in Greece for the 2024-2025 academic year offer students a diverse mix of cultural, academic, and recreational experiences. Whether through traditional celebrations, educational excursions, or relaxation time, students in Greece have plenty of opportunities to learn and grow outside the classroom. Planning activities that enrich and inspire can make each holiday an unforgettable experience.
FAQ
Are school holiday dates the same across all schools in Greece?
While most state (public) schools in Greece follow a unified holiday calendar set by the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs, there can be variations for private and international schools. These institutions may adjust term dates based on their curricula or align with international standards. However, all schools observe national holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, so there’s some consistency across the board. Parents with children in private or international schools should check with the specific institution for an exact schedule.
Are there childcare or holiday programs for working parents during school breaks?
Yes, Greece offers several options to support working parents during school breaks. Many municipalities organize summer camps, sports activities, and cultural programs for children. Private organizations and educational centers also provide holiday programs, which include arts and crafts, sports training, and even language or academic camps. These programs are particularly popular during the long summer holiday but are available during shorter breaks as well, such as Christmas and Easter. Checking local community centers or private program offerings can help parents find suitable options.
Do Greek schools close for Easter, and how long is the break?
Yes, Greek schools observe a significant Easter break, usually lasting around two weeks. Easter is an important holiday in Greece, with many families participating in religious and cultural traditions. Schools generally close the week before and after Easter Sunday, giving students and staff ample time for both celebration and rest. The exact dates of the break vary each year, as Easter follows the Greek Orthodox calendar, which often differs from the Western Christian calendar.
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Written by: Vicky Liu
Vicky has an undergraduate degree from The University of Hong Kong and a Masters from University College London, and has a background in legal and educational writing.
