Schools across Athens will remain closed on Friday, October 3, as the city marks the annual feast day of its patron saint, Saint Dionysius the Areopagite. The holiday applies to all levels of education, from kindergartens and primary schools to high schools and special education institutions. Classes will resume as normal on Monday, October 6.

The tradition reflects Athens’ longstanding religious and cultural ties to its patron saint. Dionysius the Areopagite, a prominent figure of early Christian Athens, was a member of the city’s high court before converting to Christianity after hearing the Apostle Paul preach in the 1st century AD. He later became bishop of Athens and is honored by the Orthodox Church each year on October 3.

Since the holiday falls on a Friday this year, students and teachers will enjoy an extended three-day weekend.

Local Traditions Across Greece

Similar school closures take place in other Greek cities on the feast days of their respective patron saints. For example, Thessaloniki marks Saint Demetrius on October 26, Patras celebrates Saint Andrew on November 30, and Corfu honors Saint Spyridon on December 12. While these dates are not part of Greece’s national holiday calendar, local authorities have the right to declare them school holidays, reflecting each city’s cultural and religious traditions.