EASTER TRADITIONS

I was wandering how to explain the greatness of this festivity in the English speaking countries, specially in UK, however, I must admit that this time, I am describing one of the most important worldwide Christian festivals of the year, full of customs, folklore and traditional food all over the world.

In Spain, Easter is locally known as Holy Week, one of our most important festivities. Devoted people are waiting during the whole year to join in an amazing and stunning religious celebration. It stands out for its epic brotherhoods’ processions and unique, age-old traditions specific to each region.
The atmosphere is usually solemn and inmersed in emotion. It is directly related to their most inner religious demonstrations of faith. We turn the streets into an improvised stage to dramatise Christ’s death and resurrection during Holy Week. Striking pictures of medieval figures in candlelit processions are published daily during these days. These pictures emphasise Spain’s distinctive identity. The fraternities take part in touching parades where the members of the brotherhood show their deepest feelings.

Easter is also one of the major Cristian festivals in UK. The Friday before Easter Sunday and the Monday after are a bank holiday in the UK. Schooks are usually closed for two weeks. On the Friday before Easter, Good Friday, Christians commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a day of mourning in church. Two days later, on Easter Sunday, they celebrate his resurrection. Church altars are usually decorated with flowers. The displays often include white lilies which symbolise the Virgin Mary, white colour also represents ideas such as innocence, peace and hope. Other symbols are the cross and the palm  on Palm Sunday.

Two different countries but a similar spirit, the one based on the Christian religion. So, let's celebrate Easter! Time for praying, time for religious passions, time for relaxing, time for festivities wherever you are.