Easter in Corfu
The island of Corfu is the ideal Easter destination for thousands of believers from all over the world who rush to experience the Corfiot Easter. During this period the island is transformed into a crowded place, while at the same time fully promoting its cultural and natural beauty. The majestic Corfiot Easter with the brightest and most glorious Resurrection – Anastasis enchants every visitor due to the richness and the uniqueness of the customs. It is actually a combination of Venetian Traditions and Orthodox customs. The impressive and noisy Easter of Corfu brings to everyone’s mind the famous custom of the improvised earthquake that shocks the whole island, the breaking of the so-called boots. The original custom that is revived on the morning of Holy Saturday in the heart of the beautiful city, named Spianada.
With the slogan of the first Resurrection – Anastasis at 11:00 in the morning, the inhabitants of the island throw from their balconies huge clay jugs the famous “mpotides” decorated with red ribbons full of water.
It is said that if someone keeps a piece of the broken mpoti all year round, it will offer good luck and prosperity according to the local Corfiots. After the “noise” of the mpotides, the Philharmonic Orchestras pour into the streets and the joyful melody follows with the march of the Greeks.
On Holy Saturday’s evening when it’s time for the second Resurrection, Corfu is flooded with people flooding the square of Espianada to watch the spectacular spectacle and the glorious ceremony. On the night of the Resurrection, thousands of believers sing all together, which is definitely accompanied by the melody of the Philharmonic Orchestra of our island.
The Countess of the Ionian Sea is lit by countless candles and a magic landscape is created. The sparklers from the heart of Corfu shine unique colors in the sky giving each year a special light and color to our cultural Easter. Once the second Anastasis is over, the Philharmonic Orchestras roam the city passing on the faithful messages of peace and euphoria.
After the end of the celebration of the resurrection, people set the table and the feast begins with the so-called “magiritsa” (Greek Easter soup), “fogatsa” (Corfiot Easter kind of bread) and wine.
On Easter Sunday, there are everywhere celebrations for the resurrection and people set the table for Easter. The typical dish of Corfiots for Easter used to be an egg-lemon soup with meat and the lamb was for Easter Monday. Nowadays, Corfiots have started eating the lamb, roasted on a spit, on Easter Sunday too.
