| 4 mins read
As cities across Europe shake off their winter slumber, Easter and the coming spring are celebrated with festivals and religious ceremony all over. The winter season in Europe, including Easter is a low season for tourism. Beach destinations may be deserted of sunbathers, and you will need a jacket for the cool climate, but then expect to have exclusive access to a towns’ attractions along with low room rates. Further, travel guides opine that there is a certain charm to experiencing destinations in this sleepier form; life continues in its usual rhythm in the historic towns, often unchanged for hundreds of years. Easter especially so provides a glimpse of centuries old traditions in some of Europe’s most beautiful cities.
Fireworks in Florence
The narrow streets of Florence, the renaissance jewel of Italy house numerous museums, churches, restaurants, some very stylish Italians and some very serious artwork. Add to that an explosion of fireworks in a centuries old Easter tradition; if you ever needed an excuse to travel to this beautiful city then you’ve definitely found it.
The highlight in Florence during Easter, the Scoppio del carro (explosion of the cart), takes place on Easter Sunday. A parade of soldiers, musicians and people in medieval dress accompany white oxen pulling a large decorated cart into Piazza Duomo, the main square of Florence. As part of Easter mass, the Archbishop of Florence lights the Colombina, a rocket shaped like a dove which sets off the many rounds of fireworks concealed inside the antique cart.
While in Florence, take advantage of the cooler air to explore the history of the streets with a local tour guide. Or travel further into Tuscany for the Sagra, local festivals that take place around this time dedicated to a particular type of local food; think cinghiale (wild boar), goose and figs.
Easter markets in Prague
Beautiful and historic Prague is the perfect location for a weekend city break. With an umbrella to protect against spring showers, and warm clothes to layer against the chill, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy the delights of Prague’s Old town during Easter time.
Easter in Prague has stronger links to the coming of spring than to Christian traditions. Visit Prague in the weeks leading up to Easter to see the city’s Easter markets in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. Here small huts sell kraslice (hand painted eggs) and traditional handicrafts, toys, and embroidered cloth. The Easter markets also include entertainment, such as dancers in traditional folk costumes, and musicians.
Heavy Czech food is warming for the soul, and the perfect accompaniment to cold weather. Reheat and refuel with sausage, bread dumplings and a pilsner before crossing the Charles Bridge and continuing your Prague tour.
Smashed pots and brass bands in Corfu
One of the more colourful Easter traditions takes place in Corfu, where large clay pots crash to the ground from high balconies, and brass bands play funeral marches as they move in procession through the city.
The Greek Orthodox Church sets their own Easter dates, which are often two weeks later than Catholic and Protestant celebrations. In 2016, this sees Holy Week and much of Easter weekend falling at the end of April, while in 2017, the dates of the celebrations will coincide.
In Corfu’s most famous Easter tradition, on Easter Saturday apartment owners in the old town drop giant, specially created ceramic pots from their balconies, an event intended to recreate the earthquake that followed Jesus Christ’s resurrection. These pots are often filled with water for greater impact as they crash into the streets below.
Not all of Easter is about smashing pots, however. On the morning of Good Friday, church bells wake the city and brass bands from Corfu’s three Philharmonic Societies accompany religious processions through the city. Each band plays different a poignant and funeral march as they walk in time to the music.
Consider hiring a Corfu tour guide to follow the celebrations that continue into the smaller towns around the island.
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