You know Spring is here...

Easter is the biggest religious celebration in Greece. Zakynthos in particular, celebrates Easter with much formality. The festival culminates with Good Friday, Easter Saturday  and Easter Sunday. Good Friday symbolises Jesus' crucifixion and burial day. The community is in mourning and dark clothes are customarily worn. The crucifix is solemnly carried around the town and the sentiment is felt everywhere whilst shops remain closed and dark scarves hang from the balconies. The first news of Jesus' Resurrection comes at mid-day on Great Saturday. Traditionally ceramic pots filled with water are dropped from the balconies onto the streets below. Later at midnight the town celebrates the 'Anastasis' with a cascade of fireworks and joyous bell tolls. The long awaited Easter Sunday finally arrives. The families take to the streets and the traditional lamb-on-the-spit is slowly roasted in the open. While the lamb is cooking the families visit their neighbours exchanging wishes and sharing traditional delicacies like dyed eggs and tsoureki (Easter cake). Wine flows in abundance and the customary 'Christos Anesti' ('Christ has risen') echoes from corner to corner. The dancing, singing and feasting continue until the late hours of the afternoon. Spring has finally arrived!

If you want to experience Easter in Zante there's still time to book your hotel room and flight at very reasonable prices!