Easter (Paska) 2008 Service, Procession and Fireworks

Anyone who has been in Elounda (or anywhere in Greece) at Easter will know that it is the key point in the church calendar and a time when the community gather in and around the church. Friday night is marked by a service and the procession of the icon through the village. The service on Saturday evening culminates at midnight with the words 'Christos Anesti' (Christ is risen) to which people reply 'Alithos Anesti' (Truly he is risen) along with fireworks and the burning of an effigy of Judas. People then head home for the traditional offal soup (maygiritsa) which breaks the fasting of lent. Easter Sunday is a day of family barbeques and celebration.