Easter in Crete is an exciting period that combines spiritual devotion, traditional ceremonies, and culinary delights. The customs are special, the cuisine unique and the hospitality wonderful. So how is it celebrated in Crete?
On Holy Friday, the Epitaph procession is a wonderful ceremony. Believers decorate the Epitaph with flowers while participating in a detailed procession around the town or village. As the believers pass through the streets, residents come out of their homes and join in the ceremony.
On Holy Saturday, villages and towns in Crete host the custom of “the burning of Judas” which is a kind of exemplary punishment for the betrayal of Judas. From Saturday morning, the village boys gather dry wood and branches, which they gather at a spot near the church and make and dress a doll representing Judas. As soon as the priest announces “Christ is risen” they set fire to the large pile of wood which burns together with the effigy of Judas, making night a day.
The Easter Sunday table in Crete is a festive meal that unites family and friends. At the centre of the table, the skewered lamb, the chitterlings, the chops and the little lambs are not missing from any home, along with greek easter soup “magiritsa”,fresh salads, and Easter sweets. It is a moment of warmth and love, where the flavors of Cretan cuisine embrace every attendee.
All in all, Easter in Crete is an experience rich in traditions, flavours and emotion, worth experiencing for every traveller visiting the island this time of year.
