Photos

For further details go to my theme :Reflections of a Litany
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Info: www.terrakerkyra.gr
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The celebration of Easter in Corfu is a unique experience, completely different from anywhere else in Greece and particularly impressive for first-time visitors to the island. It is a huge festival, in which various components come together harmoniously, the Orthodox Christian faith, pagan traditions, the powerful presence of Saint Spiridon, the Roman Catholic community, the Venetian influence, genuine Corfiot humour, the music of the philharmonic bands and of course the spring atmosphere.
On Holy Saturday, 9 a.m., the procession of Saint Spiridon, which was consecrated in 1550 when the Saint saved the island from famine, takes place. The Saint shares the stage with the Epitaphios of his own church, a custom which was established during Venetian times when, for reasons of security, epitaphios processions were forbidden, whereas the procession of the Saint was permitted to take place.
At 11 a.m. the First Resurrection and the 'Pot Throwing' custom take place, and the local people throw pots out of their windows, smashing them onto the streets below. This noisy custom, originating with the Venetians, began in the town and spread to the villages.

In 1840 the Old Philharmonic Orchestra was founded and in 1890 the Mantzaros Orchestra. Entering the 20th century, the artist Angelos Giallinas and the writer K. Theotokis captured, each through his own medium, the spirit of Corfu of the time.