It’s no secret. The celebration of Easter in the island of Corfu is a truly unique experience, combining  elements from Paganism, Agios Spyridon’s spirit (the Patron Saint of the island), the Roman Catholic community, the Venetians, the locals’ mentality and of course the Orthodox faith.

On Holly Friday, the philharmonics and island choirs accompany the procession of the Epitafios (Christ’s -decorated with flowers- tomb) from all the churches around the city and they all gather in the main square. The celebrations of Holly Saturday begin around 11am when the locals celebrate the First Resurrection with the tossing of clay pots from their windows a tradition originated from the Venetians; the philharmonics parade around the city, playing joyful songs, which according to Paganism is like a celebration for the end of winter and the re-awakening of nature in spring.

The Resurrection of Christ is announced at midnight by the archbishop and celebrated with millions of fireworks and music played by the philharmonics and choir followed by a feast made up of delicious Tsilihourda, red eggs, columbines (bread of Venetian origin) and lots of local wine.

On Easter Sunday the churches parade around the city, the municipality offers lunch at the New Fortress and everybody spit-roasts the traditional lamb. People crack red eggs and throw the shells in the gardens to bless the harvest.

here are also other customs, such as the Sacred Wedding, the custom of Vlahoi, the Dance of the Priests and many more, which are still very much reenacted in the countryside villages of the island.

The ancient Greek celebrations hosted in the beginning of spring to honor Dionysos are the predecessor of today’s Carnival concept and festivities. Corfu’s festivities are heavily influenced by Venetian customs making the Corfiat Carnival unique, compared to the others in Greece. The attires and the floats are somewhat medieval and breathe an Italian flair.

One of the most interesting customs is Petegoletsa, a street theater preformed by the locals. The protagonists are the local women who get out in their balconies in the Old Town and gossip about other people on the island, the politicians and anything they want in the authentic Corfu dialect. This takes place on the last Thursday before Ash Monday.