Easter in Agios Nikolaos

Celebration of the Resurrection in Agios Nikolaos

Easter in Agios Nikolaos is perhaps the most impressive in Crete. The faithful start gathering round the lake at 11 p.m. on Easter Saturday in order to get the best positions.

The best view is if you climb up to the small park above the lake of Agios Nikolaos, from where the scene is even more spectacular. The priests come to the lake from a nearby church around 11:30 and the service of the Resurrection is held on a special platform.

At midnight the chant “Christos Anesti” (Christ is Risen) is heard, and night turns to day as hundreds of fireworks are let off. At the same time the effigy of Judas, hanging on a raft in the middle of the lake, is set aflame.