Travel News: Try Easter in Corfu

Exhausted from Easter and looking for a break from the break? Have you ever considered spending Easter in Greece? 

Using the Julian instead of the Gregorian calendar, Greek Orthodox Easter is typically at least a week after the “traditional” Catholic Easter and therefore perfectly timed for a short escape from reality after the busy holidays. 

Even though the whole of Greece is well visited during Easter time, one island stands out in terms of the number of tourists choosing to travel there. Located in the Ionian Sea, off the northwest coast of Greece and near the Albanian border, Corfu is the second largest of the Ionian islands. 

Every year Corfu welcomes thousands of Greek and international visitors, who want to experience its unique celebrations and traditions. 

The so-called Holy Week begins, as the name suggests, a week prior to Greek Easter – people start to purchase what they need, bake foods traditionally eaten during this time and colour eggs red, representing the blood of Christ. 

However, the two most important and eventful days are Holy Friday and Holy Saturday – the two days before Easter Sunday. 

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Music is life: The Corfiot Philharmonic Societies and parades 

Music is a huge part in the life of many Corfiots with the musical history of the philharmonic societies, dating back to the 19th century.

On Holy Friday, at 2pm, the church steps into action and the procession of the Epitaphs begins. There are 33 altogether and each of them is accompanied by choirs, the philharmonic, church people and schools, amongst others, carrying banners and candles. The number 33 symbolises the 33 years of the life of Christ. 

The Epitaph of the Metropolis, which is considered the largest and most significant event, is accompanied by the clergy, local authorities and the major philharmonic bands of Corfu. 

The processions go on until 10pm and can be witnessed wherever you are in the city centre of Corfu as they march all over the Old Town. 

Holy Saturday is just as filled with music and marching as the previous day. 

The procession of Saint Spyridon begins at 9am from his church, during which relics of the Saint are carried around through town. The carriers of the relics are accompanied by the three biggest philharmonic bands of Corfu until approximately 11am, when the real fun begins. 

Kalo Pascha! The smashing of the red botides 

11am marks the First Resurrection of Christ and also the beginning of a fun tradition that only last a few minutes, but which is very memorable. 

After the church bell rings, people throw big, water-filled jugs, made from clay which have been coloured red and decorated, down from their windows onto the streets, where they smash to bits. 

This tradition stems from the Venetian era and is a symbol of prosperity and renewal. 

It is performed all over Corfu, but the best places to witness it are the so-called Pentofanaro Square and Liston, located in the heart of Corfu’s Old Town, where one is surrounded by beautiful architecture. Thousands of people gather here to celebrate Easter and experience the smashing of “botides” in many sizes and shapes. 

Once this is over, the parades start up again and the philharmonic bands march through the whole of the city centre. 

Reception of the Holy Light 

Every year, usually between 9.30 and 10pm, the Holy Light is received in Pentofanaro Square. It has travelled quite a distance, coming originally from Jerusalem, via Athens and then to Corfu. From the Square it is taken to the Church of “Saint Paraskevi,” where the Resurrection Procession begins. Just before midnight the light is moved to the so-called “Spianada Music Pavillion” which is located on the “Upper Square,” in the southern part of Corfu Town. 

At that time, the people celebrating will chant “Christos Anesti,” which translates to “Christ is risen,” and the bands perform their march whilst fireworks light up the sky to end an eventful day. 

All in all, it can be said that if you want to live a totally unique, music-filled experience, Corfu’s Easter is a must-see. It is a wonderful way to learn about the region’s culture and religion in a spectacular and entertaining way. 

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