Photo: Shutterstock Holiday Impacts Travel Plans: At the height of the tourist season, Greece, a top summer destination for Israelis, comes to a standstill—not for protests, but for a significant religious holiday. This Friday, August 15, marks the 'Dormition of the Virgin Mary', a day commemorating the falling asleep of Mary, mother of Jesus. According to Greek Orthodox Church tradition, this is a day of mourning, but in other parts of the country, celebrations take place..
The most significant impact on tourists is that commerce halts on this day, meaning most shops will be closed entirely—even at the peak of tourist season when the streets of Athens, Thessaloniki, and the islands are bustling with holidaymakers. Food shops will remain open but operate on a limited schedule.
Athens, Greece. Photo: SHUTTERSTOCKAttractions in Greece will be open as usual on Thursday, and some are even gearing up to welcome a larger than usual influx of visitors choosing that day to visit the many museums and archaeological sites, especially in Athens where some sites will remain open until late hours.
Public transportation will run, including metro lines in Athens and Thessaloniki, but at a slightly reduced frequency.
Restaurants across Greece will operate as usual and are also preparing for an increased number of guests, as locals customarily dine out, celebrate, and dance in some tavernas.
In various villages in Greece, celebrations take place throughout the night, primarily featuring local food and music. These village celebrations are free of charge, and the best way to find the nearest festivity is to ask locals where to join and, no less importantly, to check how to get there.