Red Egg Painting

One of the most recognizable traditions is the painting of eggs red, usually on Holy Thursday. These red eggs symbolize the blood of Christ and the promise of eternal life. They are used in a game called “tsougrisma” where individuals tap their eggs against each other’s to see whose egg will remain uncracked the longest. The person whose egg lasts the longest is considered to have good luck for the year.

Celebrations in Corfu

In Corfu, the Easter celebrations are particularly unique and are influenced by the island’s Venetian past. One of the most striking traditions is the “Botides” where large clay pots filled with water are thrown from the balconies of homes in the old town on Holy Saturday. This custom is said to derive from the Venetian tradition of throwing old possessions out of the window on New Year’s Day to make room for new ones. The smashing of the pots creates a celebratory noise and excitement, symbolizing the breaking of the old and the beginning of a new cycle of life.

Resurrection Services

The pinnacle of the Easter celebrations occurs at midnight on Holy Saturday, marking the moment of the Resurrection. At this time, all lights in the church are turned off to symbolize the darkness of the tomb. The priest then brings out a single lit candle, symbolizing the light of Christ’s resurrection. This light is passed among the congregation, and people light their candles from one another’s, gradually filling the church with light. This is followed by the proclamation “Christos Anesti!” (“Christ is Risen!”).

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday in Greece is a day characterized by an abundance of feasting, primarily centered around lamb. After the solemn and reflective period of Lent, where meat is traditionally abstained from, the consumption of lamb on Easter is particularly symbolic and celebratory. The lamb, often grilled on a spit, is not just a culinary preference but also a deep-seated tradition symbolizing the Lamb of God. This tradition is so pervasive that in many places, including neighborhoods like Pangrati in Athens, you might find entire lambs being roasted on spits right on the streets. This practice turns the streets into vibrant hubs of community gatherings, with the aroma of grilled lamb permeating the air. On this day, other foods might seem to take a back seat to the almost ubiquitous presence of lamb, reflecting both a break from the fast and a joyous culmination of the Easter celebration. The day is filled with music, dance, and the warmth of community spirit, making it a truly memorable festivity.

Have a look at the Easter Celebrations on Corfu