Mandatory public holidayFixed date: 25 March every year
Greek Independence Day
About the holiday
25 March marks the start of the 1821 War of Independence and, on the same day, the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. A military parade in Athens and school parades across the country honour the national holiday, and bakaliaros with skordalia (fried cod with garlic sauce) is the traditional dish. It is a mandatory public holiday for all sectors.
Who is off?
What the holiday means for each sector.
- Private sector
- Day off (mandatory)
- Public sector
- Closed
- Schools
- Closed
- Banks
- Closed
Every business must close; employees are paid without working (Law 4808/2021, art. 60).
Upcoming dates
The next years at a glance.
Impact on working days
2026
In 2026 the holiday falls on a Wednesday, so the working week has 4 working days instead of 5.
Independence Day creates a long weekend from 21 March to 25 March 2026: 5 days off with 2 days of leave.
2027
In 2027 the holiday falls on a Thursday, so the working week has 4 working days instead of 5.
Independence Day creates a long weekend from 25 March to 28 March 2027: 4 days off with 1 days of leave.
2028
In 2028 the holiday falls on a Saturday: it does not reduce the working days of the week and it is not transferred.
Sources
Dates and legal status were checked against:
- Law 4808/2021, article 60 — days of mandatory public holiday (Government Gazette A' 101/19.06.2021)Hellenic Republic — Government Gazette (via e-nomothesia.gr)
- GSEE – KEPEA: Which days are mandatory public holidaysΚΕΠΕΑ / ΓΣΕΕ (Information Centre for Employees and the Unemployed of the Greek General Confederation of Labour)
- Law 1157/1981, article 1 — holidays and half-days of public servicesHellenic Republic — Government Gazette (via taxheaven.gr)
Last verified: 7 October 2026
Plan your leave
Taking leave around Independence Day?
Pick your days on the calendar: weekends, public holidays and school breaks are already marked, so you see at once how many leave days you need and how long the break becomes.