Rising prices in Greece are driving up the cost of Easter celebrations, with new data showing that households will pay significantly more for this year’s traditional festive meals.
According to the Greek Consumers’ Federation (INKA), a typical Easter table for six to eight people—covering both the festive dinner served after the Resurrection midnight Mass on Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday lunch—will cost approximately €412.29 this year. That represents an increase of about €50 compared with last year’s €361.95.
Sharp increases in essential Easter foods
The latest figures indicate that price hikes in basic goods have reached up to 20%, affecting nearly every component of the holiday table.
At the heart of the Easter meal is roasted lamb, a centerpiece of the Easter Sunday feast. This year, lamb prices are expected to reach as high as €18 per kilogram, depending on where consumers shop.
At butcher shops, lamb is priced between €15 and €17 per kilogram. At Athens’ central Varvakios market, prices range from €14 to €15, while at the Rentis wholesale market they are around €14.98. Supermarkets offer somewhat lower prices, at approximately €12.90 per kilogram.
Goat meat, another traditional choice, is expected to cost about €1 more per kilogram than lamb in most outlets, with the exception of the wholesale market, where prices remain similar.
Other meats are also contributing to the rising cost of the Easter table. At the Varvakios market, beef is priced at up to €14 per kilogram, minced beef ranges from €11.50 to €12.50, pork chops are between €6.50 and €8, and whole fresh chicken costs €3.80 to €4.50 per kilogram.
Industry representatives say supply conditions remain stable overall. Restrictions affecting certain lamb parts used in traditional dishes apply only in regions under veterinary quarantine, not across the entire country. The head of Greece’s butchers’ federation, Savvas Kesidis, clarified that offal—commonly used in traditional Easter dishes—is discarded only in regions under veterinary quarantine. “Not all regions or slaughterhouses are under quarantine,” he said.
Tomato prices spike amid supply pressures
While meat prices are climbing, tomatoes have emerged as a standout concern for consumers this year.
Producers point to unfavorable weather conditions and high greenhouse operating costs—particularly elevated fuel prices—as key factors behind the surge. These pressures have reduced availability and pushed prices higher.
However, consumer advocates dispute claims of shortages. They argue that tomatoes are still available in the market but have become significantly more expensive, noting that greenhouse production was also in place last year without similar price spikes.
