Arrangement 14/15 April 2012 – Greek Easter

In Crete, just like the rest of Greece, religion and tradition play an important role in life, and the most important feast on the calendar is Easter.

After the period of lent (40 days) the spit is dusted off to roast the lamb and/or goat. The whole island smells of lamb. The first meal after lent however is eaten after the church service on Easter eve. The whole evening there are prayers in the church and people gather around outside the church, everyone holding their Easter candle. At midnight exactly, the priest leaves the church holding a candle, symbolising the Light of Jesus Christ. The priest shouts to the congregation 'Christo Anesti' (Christ has risen). The priest than lights one person's candle and from there everybody lights their own candle, with the saying 'Christo Anesti, Alithos anesti' (Christ has risen, He really has risen). Fireworks are set off, fire crackers are thrown - a real cacophony is the result. People return to their homes ensuring their candle stays alight so they can bless their home and protect it from any misfortune during the coming year.

And then there is food, a light meal: the traditional Easter soup 'Margaritsa', lamb fricassee and cheese... Tomorrow the real party starts...

Palia Porta offers you the opportunity to participate in these festivities.

The program:

Saturday 14/04:
We provide you with candles (children get their own candles) and at 23.30hrs we go to the church square to attend the blessing and to receive the flame. After the blessing of Palia Porta you bless the apartment, and then we serve the traditional Easter meal or go and eat it in a taverna.

Sunday15/04:
On Sunday we'd like to take you to a traditional taverna in a village or along the sea front to enjoy the atmosphere and traditions.