A guide on the main Greek Easter products & gifts, by the team at Greeklist.
1. Greek Easter 2024 in the United Kingdom
Greek Orthodox Easter, known as ‘Pascha,’ is a celebration deeply rooted in tradition, culture, and culinary delights. It marks the most significant event in the Greek Orthodox calendar: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This sacred occasion is observed with profound reverence, but also with joyous festivities that span several days. Greek Easter is a time for families to come together, for communities to unite in worship, and for tables to groan under the weight of sumptuous dishes and delectable treats.
From the flickering glow of the ‘lampada’ (Easter candle) to sweet Easter breads infused with aromatic spices, Greek Easter is rich and diverse as the nation’s history. As this years Easter approaches on May 5th, let’s embark on a journey to explore the essence of Greek Easter and discover the exquisite products that bring its spirit to life in the United Kingdom!
2. Famous products & gifts for Greek Easter
Explore the essence of Greek Easter with these renowned products and gifts, embodying centuries-old traditions and flavors, perfect for sharing the joy of this sacred season:
Kokkina Avga (Boiled Red Easter Eggs): These eggs are steeped in symbolism, representing the blood of Christ and the renewal of life. Typically prepared by hard-boiling eggs and dyeing them red using natural dyes or food coloring, they hold a significant place in Greek Easter traditions. During Easter Sunday, families and friends engage in the lively game of “tsougrisma,” where they tap their eggs against each other, with the uncracked egg symbolizing good luck for the coming year.
Lampades (Easter Candles): They carry deep symbolism, representing the light of Christ and signifying hope and purity. Elaborately decorated with religious symbols, floral motifs, and vibrant colors, these candles are an integral part of Greek Easter traditions. They are lit during the Easter Vigil service, symbolizing the resurrection of Christ, and are also used during the “Anastasi” ceremony, where the flame is passed from person to person, illuminating the darkness and spreading the joy of Easter.
Tsoureki (Greek Sweet Bread): A sweet, braided bread enriched with butter, eggs, and milk, is a hallmark of Greek Easter celebrations. Infused with aromatic spices like mahlab and mastiha, and often adorned with sesame seeds or almonds, it embodies the festive spirit of the holiday. Traditionally prepared during Greek Easter, tsoureki is enjoyed as breakfast or dessert, adding a delightful sweetness to the Easter table and symbolizing the joy of the season.
Koulourakia (Easter Cookies): These buttery, twisted cookies are a beloved treat during Greek Easter, offering a delicate crumb and a hint of sweetness. Flavoured with vanilla, orange zest, or spices, koulourakia are baked in large batches and shared among family and friends throughout the holiday season. Symbolizing hospitality and togetherness, they complement the joyous atmosphere of Easter gatherings, providing a delightful accompaniment to coffee or as a snack enjoyed with loved ones.
Chocolate Easter Eggs: Though not traditionally Greek, chocolate Easter eggs have gained popularity in Greece, particularly among younger generations. These eggs come in various sizes and are often filled with candies, chocolates, or surprises. They serve as delightful gifts exchanged among loved ones during Easter gatherings, adding a touch of sweetness to the holiday festivities.
Galaktoboureko (Greek Custard Pie): A popular dessert enjoyed during Easter celebrations in Greece. Its rich and indulgent flavor makes it a fitting choice for festive occasions like Easter, where families come together to enjoy delicious food and good company. The creamy custard filling and delicate phyllo pastry make it a standout dessert that adds a touch of sweetness to the Easter feast.
Wines: Greek wines offer a diverse and ancient tradition that reflects the country’s rich history and varied terroirs. With over 4,000 years of winemaking heritage, Greece boasts a wide range of indigenous grape varieties and unique winemaking techniques that produce wines with distinct flavors and characteristics. Some notable Greek wine regions include the Peloponnese, Macedonia, and the Aegean Islands, each with its own microclimate and grape varietals.
Orthodox Icons: They are integral to Easter celebrations in the Eastern Orthodox Church, serving as visual representations of biblical scenes and figures central to the Easter story. These religious paintings or representations, meticulously created following traditional guidelines, depict Christ’s resurrection, scenes from the Passion, and saints associated with Easter themes.
3. Where to find Greek Easter products in the UK
For those seeking to immerse themselves in the rich traditions and flavours of this celebrated holiday, the UK offers a myriad of options to procure authentic Greek Easter products. From bustling markets to specialty stores, the capital city provides a tantalising array of Tsoureki, Kokkina Avga, and other essential items that form the heart of Greek Easter festivities.
Here are our suggestions:
Evdoron: Bringing Joy with Thoughtful Gifts
They are dedicated to finding thoughtful, high quality gifts for your family, friends and colleagues. After all, ‘evdoron’ (εύδωρον) means ‘good gift’. They believe that gifts are expressions of love, care and appreciation. Their mission in Evdoron is to help you find a good gift to express your feelings and thoughts.
Contact Information
- Website: www.evdoron.com
Yayaka Greek Pies
Yayaka’s pitas are made the traditional way, opened by hand on a traditional wooden board using a stick, with the best ingredients of Greek cuisine.The oil used comes from the Kalamata region with an acidity of max 0.5 and the rest of the ingredients are sourced from small producers from all over Greece. Yayaka also has other Greek delicacies such as different types of tsoureki, desserts and Greek brunch based on different areas of Greece.
Contact Information
- Tel: 07568212854
- E-mail: info@bakalikon.com
Punk Cake
A non-conformist artisan patisserie. They make unforgettable sweet treats by turning baking rules on their head! Visit their online patisserie for unforgettable cakes, cupcakes, sweet treats and all you ever wanted. Their mission is to offer amazingly tasty cakes that will make your celebration unforgettable. They thrive on patisserie skills and we know how to use them! Whether you are looking for a birthday cake, a celebration cake, or a premium luxury cake, this is the place to look for it.
Contact Information
- Tel: +44 7732 425072
- E-Mail: hello@punkcake.rocks
- Address: 304a Park Road, Muswell Hill, London
BAKALIKON | e-shop
The word Bakalikon [Ba-ká-li-kon] used to be the local grocery store in Greece. It was very popular, as it had the best and most fresh products, carefully picked for the customers. The owner knew each individual, providing exceptional services every single time. Today, they want their customers to have the Bakalikon experience bringing alive this Greek tradition.
Contact Information
- Tel: 07517475040
- E-mail: info@yayakafood.co.uk
- Website: www.bakalikon.co.uk
Ormos Food & Drinks
An online delicatessen and one-stop-shop for the finest authentic Greek foods and exquisite flavours of the most authentic recipes. The Ormos Foodhall experience is rooted in convenience and reliability as well as authenticity, and high quality of products and service. Now, everyone can have access to unbeatable prices that only wholesaler suppliers can provide.
Contact Information
- Tel: 020 8200 5037
- E-mail: info@ormostrades.com
- Website: www.ormos.co.uk
Maltby & Greek
UK’s leading supplier and distributor of premium Greek produce, sourcing the finest quality food products, wines, spirits and beers from across Greece and working directly with a network of small artisan producers. Maltby&Greek started back in 2012 as part of Maltby St Market in Bermondsey, with the aim of supplying the best produce from across Greece sourced directly from small producers.
Contact Information
- Tel: 2079934548
- E-Mail: info@maltbyandgreek.com
- Arch 17, Apollo Business Park, Lucey Way, London
- Website: www.maltbyandgreek.com
Greek Hestia | Wholesalers
A company created in 2018 from a unique partnership of a food scientist, a Baker and two coffee expert entrepreneurs in the field of coffee shops, who have surpassed themselves by testing hundreds of recipes and combinations through their numerous years of experience.
The aim is to supply luscious and flavourful products with inspiration from all over the world, accompanied by impeccable quality and safety being the first priority, pursuing the best service to all customers.
Contact Information
- Tel: 7857420118
- E-Mail: info@greekhestia.co.uk
- Address: Park Road, Rickmansworth, WD3 1HT
Fratelli Greci Finest Foods – DELICATESSEN
Fratelli Greci provides Marble Arch area in central London with Greek and International deli products as well as groceries and home necessities. A friendly, comfortable environment where customers buy, try and get to know quality delicatessen foods from Greece but also well known foods and drinks from all over the world. The only deli shop of its kind with top quality foods, wines and coffee from their origin of production. Hand chosen by a dedicated team of professional and experienced people in food purchasing.
Contact Information
- Tel: +44 207724 2021
- E-Mail: info@fratelligreci.com
- Address: 26 Seymour Pl, Westminster, London
Kamari | The Authentic Greek
They specialise in supplying authentic Greek food products in Crystal Palace (South East London), and, we deliver high quality authentic Greek products to the wider community. Their customers enjoy a delicious choice of takeaway hot and cold refreshments with Greek flavours.
Contact Information
- +44 07494 446 469
- info@kamari.london
- SE19 3RY, London, Greater London
4. Conclusion
As Greek Easter approaches, the vibrant tapestry of traditions and flavours comes alive, inviting us to partake in the richness of this ancient celebration. From the flickering glow of the lambada to the sweet indulgence of tsoureki, each product and gift carries with it the essence of Greek hospitality and heritage. Whether shared among family and friends or savored in quiet reflection, these treasures of Greek Easter serve as reminders of the enduring bonds of community and the joyous renewal of spirit that this cherished holiday brings.
Kalo Pascha! (Happy Easter!)
If you are interested in the dishes of Greek Orthodox Easter, check here!
Got questions on what is the Greek Orthodox Easter? Check here!
See here how you can experience the Orthodox Easter 2024 in Rhodes, Syros, Santorini and Corfu!
