By Nicolas Bard

Easter in Corfu is undoubtedly a special experience, which we all need to live in our lives at least once. The mystical surrounding atmosphere, the Orthodox Christian and Catholic traditions, as well as the Venetian air into the picturesque cantons transform the island in the Holy Week into the absolute religious destination. Crowds of people flock to both Corfu and the whole island, to enjoy the customs of the place closely and get into the climate of the days. Undoubtedly, the most famous custom that takes place on the island on Saturday is the one with the boots.

At 11:00 am on Saturday morning and after the first resurrection signal and the Metropolitan chants the “Anastas, God, the Lord of the Gen”, the bells of all the churches of Corfu are beating, and the inhabitants of the balconies, and the inhabitants of the balconies, These are clay jugs, with a narrow orifice and two handles on the side, tied with red ribbons or painted. This popular custom that attracts thousands of tourists to the area every year has its roots in the Venetian occupation. The Catholics Venetians broke the old pitchers on New Year’s Eve as a “tax” in the new year to bring them new goods and luck to their home.

The Orthodox Corfu “adopted” this special custom, and over the years they carried it during Easter, when the Venetians allowed them to celebrate only in the midday hours. Breaking the cans on the pedestrian streets symbolizes the removal of misfortune, so to this day, those who watch the custom closely, after completing it, take pieces of broken boots for charm, prosperity and good luck. If you are on the island of M. Saturday you will be impressed by the crowd of people filling the emblematic spianada, the largest square in Greece and the whole of the Balkans, in order to secure a privileged position to see this beautiful custom.

But besides the booty, in Corfu that day there is another custom, which is less well known, but just as special! And the reason for the custom of the “mast”. The Corfu, then, place a barrel full of water and adorned with flowers and ribbons, and invite passersby to throw in coins, making a wish. At the time of the first resurrection, one falls in and picks the coins. Earlier, at 09:00 in the morning, the church of St. Spyridon takes place the liturgy of the Saint, which has been established in 1550, when Corfu was saved by famine. At the same time, the Epitaph is being performed, accompanied by the Philharmonic, and the whole city is on the streets.

The magical and devotional images from Easter to Corfu flood the internet every year and make the world tour, sharing generous hope, optimism and beauty.