On 21 May Corfu marks the day in 1864 the Ionian Islands joined Greece: a doxology, wreaths at the Union monument on the Spianada and a parade through the old town. Next: Friday 21 May 2027.
When: 21 May, the day the islands joined Greece in 1864. Where: Saint Spyridon's church, the Union monument on the Spianada, and the old town.
The island's own national day, with flags, bands and a parade.
After half a century as a British protectorate, the Ionian Islands were united with Greece on 21 May 1864, when the Greek flag was raised over Corfu's fortress. The day begins with the flag raised at the Old Fortress, a doxology at Saint Spyridon's church and a memorial service with wreaths at the Monument of the Union on the Spianada. Schools, cultural associations in traditional costume, the philharmonic bands and army units then parade through the centre of the old town; in 2026 fighter jets flew over the town.
On the Spianada for the wreaths, along the route for the parade.
The Union monument stands near the middle of the Spianada, and the parade goes through the centre of the old town, so the edge of the Spianada makes a good base for both.
By 10:00.
In 2026 the doxology was at 10:30 and the wreath-laying at 11:15, with the parade after them; the hours come out a few days before.
A local public holiday: public offices close, some shops too.
21 May is a public holiday in the former prefecture of Corfu, Paxos included, but not in the rest of Greece. Streets in the centre close for the parade. Cultural associations often add music and dance in the old town; in 2026 they performed on 21 and 22 May.
Checked on 14 November 2026.