Despite the coldest Easter temperatures in 30 years Greeks are leaving Athens and other major urban areas in order to celebrate the Orthodox Easter this weekend. Roads leading out of the capital are reported full of travellers joining the holiday exodos in order to join family in the countryside. Ferry, coach, plane and trains are also running at 100% capacity as those who can leave the cities ahead of Easter weekend, according to the local media. For Greek Orthodox christians Holy Week is the most important event in the christian calender.

However, the festive mood has been tempered by complaints over rising food and petrol prices. According to Greek consumer organisations the cost of the traditional Easter meal, which typically includes a whole lamb or goat has risen by 20% since last year. The steepest increases have been recorded the prices of fresh fruit and vegetables, which have doubled in the same period. In addition the cost of a litre of unleaded pertrol has reached 1.40 euros on the major highways.