Sorry....another Greek question! (This place, and you Fodorites, are such a great resource for us!)

I'm trying to decide what to pack.

We will be attending Easter services in Nafplio. We know that Cheryl must be appropriately covered up (no bare arms or shorts, etc.). She will be wearing a long skirt, a proper top and possibly a sweater over that. No problem for her.

But I'd like to know just how "dressed up" I should be. In US churches, especially in California, where we live, things are a bit more casual. You rarely see a suit and tie anymore. Some men in our church evern were sandals and shorts, albeit nice sandals and shorts. But then, this could be part of our So Cal culture.

So, how is it in Greece? How DO men in Greece dress for church, for Easter services? Should I pack a dress shirt and tie? Perhaps a dress shirt with an open collar? Should I wear dress pants or would nice khakis (like Dockers, for example) be acceptable? Would a sport coat or blazer be OK? How about no coat at all?

Thanks, in advance.

Bob

My DH would wear long trousers (dress or good khakis), a long-sleeved dress shirt and closed shoes.

Out of respect, I think it's best to be over-dressed instead of under-dressed. There will be services both on the evening of Easter Saturday (18th of April) as well as on Easter.

I agree. Dress-up. Also, you do not need to cover your head in an Orthodox church. Black is not the best color for Easter, unless you are in mourning. This is the biggest, most religious day of the church year!
SMB

Hi,
Good Friday evening service & carrying of the icon through the streets is more subdued as the whole thing is mourning the death of Christ, so dress accordingly (darker clothing may be better), smart/casual is fine. Saturday service starts late at night, ending with the lights going out & candles lit at midnight to celebrate 'christos anesti' (christ has arisen), so a more joyful celebration, after which the Easter Sunday is eating, drinking & enjoying! If anyone says to you on the saturday at, or just after, midnight 'christos anesti', the response should be 'alithos anesti' (he has truly arisen)
Both Friday & Saturday evenings are a really moving experience, I can get quite emotional at the thought of it, & I'm not religious!
Since living in Greece (I'm British) I have attended the services & celebrations of Easter & still feel such emotion when I see the whole community come together as one.
Feel free to ask other questions & I will help if I can!

I did mean to add that we have seen many of the Greeks out in their 'sunday best', some men that we see all week in dirty working clothes get out their best suits, BUT still quite a lot in jeans & jacket! So, please don't take up valuable packing space for a dress suit, a decent pair of trousers, ordinary shirt & jacket will be fine! Behaviour, conduct & respect are far more important to the Greeks than what you're wearing!

From my experience last Easter, no one will care what you are wearing (I assume you will be clean). We were in a small village and scrutinized by most of the people. No one cared that we weren't wearing dress clothes. The Greeks seem to be rather tolerant in such matters and don't expect tourists to fill their suitcases with full regalia. Polite behavior seemed to be more important.