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Koulourakia: The Easter Cookie That Unites Cretan Families

Monday, 20 April 2026/SourceHaniotika Nea/1 min read
Koulourakia are traditional Greek Easter cookies baked across Crete every spring in the lead-up to Orthodox Easter, known locally as Lambri. The tradition is deeply rooted in Cretan family life, with households preparing batches of these lightly sweet, braided or twisted butter cookies to share with family, neighbors, and guests after the midnight Resurrection service. Recipes are passed down through generations, often involving the whole family including children. Visitors to Crete during the Easter period, which falls in April or May depending on the year, can expect to find koulourakia offered in homes, bakeries, and local shops. Accepting them is considered a warm gesture of hospitality. Orthodox Easter celebrations in Crete are among the most vibrant in Greece, with candlelit processions, fireworks, and festive meals making it an exceptional time to visit the island.

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