The Carnival season has officially begun, with the opening of the Triodion marking the countdown to Apokries and the long weekend of Clean Monday.
This year, the Triodion — a movable period in the Orthodox Christian calendar — opened on Sunday, February 1, 2026 (Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee).
Tsiknopempti in 2026 falls on Thursday, February 12. It is observed during the second week of the Triodion and is traditionally marked by the grilling and consumption of meat. Tsiknopempti is not a public holiday.
When is Clean Monday in 2026
Clean Monday, the next public holiday of the year, falls in February. Specifically, it will be observed on Monday, February 23, 2026, marking the start of Lent.
The following public holiday, the national anniversary of March 25, falls on a Wednesday this year.
When do Holy Week and Easter fall in 2026
Holy Week begins on April 6, while Easter Sunday will be celebrated on April 12, 2026.
Public holidays in 2026
Below is the calendar of upcoming public holidays in 2026:
- Clean Monday – February 23
- Annunciation of the Virgin Mary / National anniversary of March 25 – March 25 (Wednesday)
- Easter Sunday – April 12
- Easter Monday – April 13
- Labour Day – May 1 (Friday)
- Holy Spirit Monday – June 1 (Monday – not an official public holiday for all employees)
- Assumption of the Virgin Mary – August 15 (Saturday)
- “Ohi” Day – October 28 (Wednesday)
- Christmas Day – December 25 (Friday)
- Synaxis of the Virgin Mary – December 26 (Saturday)
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