Easter in Zakynthos


Easter in Zakynthos is not the same as elsewhere in Greece. The celebrations start on Good Friday with a procession carrying the effigy of the Crucified Christ through main town. It starts from the church of St. Nicholas on the Mole and passes through the town. It is accompanied by the municipal brass band and crowds of people. After the procession, at about 3'o clock in the afternoon, a large percentage of the population of Zakynthos is blessed by the patriarch of Zakynthos on Solomos Square.
Early morning on Saturday at about 4'o clock in the morning the "Epitaphios" ( Christ's bier ) is carried through the town symbolizing the funeral of Jesus Christ. After that, it is custom to smash water pitchers made of terracotta at St. Marko's Square symbolizing the anger at the Jews for the crucifixion.
On Saturday at midnight, the crowd gathers at St. Marko's Square and celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ together with the patriarch of Zakynthos. The celebration is finished with a big firework.
It's also very nice and impressive to celebrate easter in the villages of Zakynthos. The parade of the Crucified Christ through the streets starts at about 10'o clock in the evening on Maundy Thursday and the "Epitaphios" is paraded at the same hour on Good Friday.
Under "Photo Album" you will find a photo documentary of the easter ceremony during my visit in April 2003.