Easter in Corfu
Good Friday:
The processions of the epitaphs follow some kind of ritual that makes the event more impressive, the processions of the epitaphs come out in a set order from each Church and all cross in the center of the City. In the evening, the imposing Epitaph of the Metropolis emerges from the Cave. The Epitaph of the Metropolis, accompanied by the Holy Clergy and the local authorities, the presence of Philharmonic Orchestras, choirs and thousands of locals and visitors gives another dimension to this mournful day. The procession follows the route from the Metropolis, ascends Mouragia, comes out at Spianada, and from there to the historic center of the city. All along the route thousands of lit candles are placed on the roadsides.
Holy Saturday:
The customs begin at 6 a.m. at the Church of Holy Mary of the Foreigners, where the artificial “earthquake” is performed to represent the earthquake that took place according to the Bible at the Resurrection. The Epitaph of St. Spyridon and the Litany of his Tabernacle begins later. Bands accompany the Litany and the faithful follow the “Saint” to the Fortress.
At 11:00 in the morning, suddenly after the sad melodies, the joy of the first Resurrection comes from every corner of the city. From the sound of the clay bazaars that the locals break, the bells ring, the bands play joyful marches.
At 22:00 in the evening the Resurrection Mass is held in the Catholic cathedral to be completed by 23:00 so that the faithful can also attend the Orthodox Resurrection Mass.
