Opening hours of shops during the Easter period in Crete and the cost of the Easter table for Greek families.

Shops open on Palm Sunday in Crete

Merchants and shop owners are optimistic about a revival in the market. They expect an increase in turnover thanks to the Easter bonus and additional support payments from the OPEKEPE, which are scheduled to be paid out on Holy Wednesday.

In recent days, consumers have begun to browse shops, and foot traffic is expected to peak from Holy Thursday through Holy Saturday.

During this period, godparents will need to buy candles and gifts for their godchildren.

The Easter shopping hours in the Heraklion market commence on Palm Sunday, which falls on 13 April. The opening hours for the stores are set as follows:

The Easter timetable extends beyond Heraklion. The Chania Trade Association, as well as the Rethymno and Agios Nikolaos Trade Associations, have also announced their Easter operating hours.

Chania:

Rethymno:

Aghios Nikolaos:

On Palm Sunday, alongside the commercial shops, supermarkets will also remain open.

As Easter approaches, the market atmosphere becomes lively, reflecting the traditions and customs of the season. The anticipation of increased consumer activity is palpable, and many retail businesses are preparing their displays to attract shoppers.

This creates a sense of community as people gather to purchase festive items, from traditional foods to gifts for loved ones.

Experiencing Easter in Crete is not just about shopping; it is a celebration filled with cultural significance. The intermingling of local traditions with consumerism adds a unique flavour to the holiday.

After all, the festive spirit not only brings people together but also boosts the local economy, making it a time of both joy and commercial vitality.

Merchants are also expected to highlight unique local products, allowing consumers to enjoy the best that Crete has to offer.

Traditional Easter goods, like lamb and sweet bread, will be popular choices for families preparing for their celebrations.

As such, this year’s Easter season is set to be particularly vibrant, with shops aiming to meet the increased demand and cater to varied tastes.

As for the consumers, many look forward to the opportunity to shop for special items marked by local artisans and producers.

The combination of warm weather, holiday cheer, and a bustling market atmosphere creates an enjoyable shopping experience that many reside in or visit.

Shops are encouraged to decorate their storefronts to create a welcoming environment that captures the spirit of Easter.

Colourful displays featuring eggs, flowers, and candles can visually draw in customers.

The sights and sounds of the season play a crucial role in setting the festive mood and encouraging shoppers to embrace the local culture during this time.

During the days leading up to Easter, many businesses will likely hold promotions and special offers to entice shoppers.

This strategy not only aims to increase sales but also to foster customer loyalty, encouraging repeat visits even beyond the holiday period.

The importance of Palm Sunday marks the beginning of the Easter shopping frenzy.

Families often prepare for various traditions, which include attending church services and enjoying meals together.

With the market brimming with shoppers, it becomes evident how the holiday season promotes a sense of belonging within the community.

As the holiday draws near, local businesses brace themselves for the influx of customers.

Establishments have the patience to ensure they can adequately meet customer needs while maintaining service quality.

The significance of a well-organised shopping environment cannot be overstated, as it enhances customer satisfaction, encouraging positive experiences.

While the focus is on the immediate sales and consumer behaviour during this lively season, it is important for businesses to recognise the long-term connections formed during these interactions.

Building customer relationships now can lead to continued patronage in the future, beyond seasonal shopping.

Moreover, the hope for a successful Easter sales period is shared widely among businesses in the region.

This vibrant market culture not only benefits the economy but also enriches the social fabric of the community.

By supporting local shops, consumers are given a chance to engage directly with their cultural heritage.

In preparation for the festivities, local shop owners analyse past sales data to forecast demand.

They adjust their inventories accordingly, ensuring they have a robust selection to meet the diverse tastes of customers.

This level of planning can greatly contribute to the customer experience, resulting in a more enjoyable shopping journey.

Cost of the Easter Feast This Year

The cost of the Easter dinner is expected to rise this year mainly due to the price increases of traditional items like lamb and chocolate products.

While some other food prices, such as olive oil, have decreased, the prices for key Easter items have climbed. According to data for March 2025, inflation for food items sits at 2.2%. Here are some notable changes in food prices:

• Bakery and confectionery products: Up by 5.7%
• Meats: Increased by 4.9%
• Fresh fish: Rose by 7.3%
• Other edible oils: Increased by 9.7%
• Fruits: Up by 6.7%
• Vegetables: Rose by 4.1%
• Sugar, chocolates, sweets, and ice creams: Increased by 6%
• Coffee, cocoa, and tea: Up by 8.5%
• Bottled water, soft drinks, and fruit juices: Increased by 6%

On the other hand, certain foodstuffs have experienced price drops:

• Cheeses: Down by 1.3%
• Olive oil: Down significantly by 23.3%

This situation is likely to reflect in the costs associated with this year’s Easter table, influenced by consumers’ purchasing choices, such as product types and shopping venues.

To assist with price stability during this festive period, the Ministry of Development is continuing the “Easter Basket” programme in supermarkets for the third consecutive year.

This initiative includes products like lamb, goat, sweet bread, and chocolate eggs. It aims to manage high seasonal demand and help consumers find more affordable options.

Price Changes for Lamb and Goat

The prices for lamb and goat have increased this year compared to the previous year.

Renowned networks of supermarkets and local butcher shops have reported these price hikes. According to Savvas Kesidis, the president of the National Federation of Butchers, the low supply of sheep and goats this year has caused these price increases ahead of Easter.

The reasons for this supply drop include serious losses faced by farmers due to the devastating weather event “Daniel” and diseases affecting sheep and goats last year.

Currently, lamb is priced at around €17 per kilogram, while goat meat is slightly more expensive. Kesidis emphasises that without increased market support through imports, prices may remain high.

Factors Influencing Prices

Several factors influence the high costs for Easter foods this year, especially meat. The combination of reduced livestock numbers and increased demand during the holiday season places extra pressure on prices. Here are some factors to consider:

• Weather conditions: Natural disasters can severely impact farming, resulting in lower livestock counts.
• Animal diseases: Illness outbreaks can decimate populations, leading to shortages and inflated prices.
• Seasonal demand: The approach of Easter sees a spike in demand for traditional items, contributing to rising prices.

Expected Costs for Traditionals

The prices of traditional Easter items are forecasted to rise, affecting how families plan their celebrations. Below is a breakdown of expected costs for common items:

Families will need to adjust their budgets accordingly to accommodate these changes.

The increase in chocolate prices, particularly due to cocoa cost rises, will impact Easter treats. This year, prices for chocolate products have seen a significant uptick, and many families will feel the effects during their celebrations.

Consumer Choices

The overall cost for each family’s Easter table will also depend on individual purchasing decisions.

Consumers will benefit from proper planning, selecting products that fit their budgets.

It’s vital for shoppers to compare prices between various outlets, including supermarkets and local markets, to find the best deals.

Smart shopping can greatly influence the total spent this Easter.

The reduction in prices for some items can aid in balancing the increased costs for more expensive products.

For instance, families might choose less expensive meats or minimise some types of sweets, allowing them to enjoy traditional meals without overspending.

Special Offers and Discounts

Many supermarkets and shops will likely introduce special offers on Easter-related items to attract customers. This could include:

• Discounts on bulk purchases: Buying larger quantities of lamb or other meats might provide cost savings.
• Promotions on complementary products: Sweet bread or chocolates could see reduced prices alongside main dishes.
• Loyalty programmes: Many supermarkets might offer points or discounts for returning customers.

Conclusion

With the rise in prices for traditional items such as lamb and chocolate, families will need to think about their shopping strategies this Easter.

By being selective with their purchases and on the lookout for discounts, they can still celebrate without exceeding their budgets.

To explore further details on the cost of this year’s Easter table, visit this Easter table cost link for comprehensive information.

Please leave this field empty

Don’t miss the daily tips and news about Crete!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

Please leave this field empty

Don’t miss the daily tips and news about Crete!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.