This old tradition some say comes from the Venetians of the 16th century who used to throw all their old and useless objects and pots out of their windows, others say comes from Pagans symbolising the welcoming of spring…
Whatever the origin of this tradition is, it stays alive many years now at mid day of Holy Saturday, in the Ionian islands and mainly at Corfu.
The last years, Kefalonian’s have relived the tradition and now days crowds gather in the main square of Argostoli to celebrate Christ’s first resurrection. They witness the breaking of the pots that symbolises the victory of life against death and good against evil. Cheerful red banners are hanged from the balconies.
Once the bells ring 12 o’clock the breaking of the pot starts, the philharmonic bands accompany with triumphant music and then live folklore music and dance takes over! A very special tradition that traveller will witness if travelling to Kefalonia during the Orthodox Easter!
Saturday 27th April 2019 Pottery Breaking takes place following the celebration of the first resurrection in the churches of the following 3 towns:
Argostoli Lithostroto, 11:45- starts at St. Spyridon church and stops to the Bell (Kabana) square with Philharmonic orchestra of Argostoli where the pottery breaking takes place, ladies in local costume will be offering Easter candles and Easter cakes (tsoureki)!
Lixouri, 11:00 – starts at church of St. Nicholaos and ends up in main square with Philharmonic orchestra of Lixouri, in the square will be girls in traditional costumes.
Sami, 11:30 – Church of the Dormition Theotokos with Philharmonic orchestra of Sami.
2 comments
Hello Anna,
I have a question. I know the breaking of the pots is a longtime traditon in Corfu, but you indicated that it’s more recent in Kefalonia. Do you know if this tradition goes back as far as the 1920’s on that island? I am writing the third book in a Greek American Saga (fiction) and I want to use this celebration in the book. It’s the first time I am introducing readers to Kefalonia. I am giving some backstory to another character. My grandfather was from there and my mom would tell me stories of her summers there. (She was raised in Athens). He was from Lixouri. I had the pleasure of briefly visiting last summer, but not long enough. I need to come back!
Thank you,
Effie
Thank you for your message!
Do you read greek as I could send you some relative links?