Easter Pictures from Crete

Pictures from the Bier (Epitaph) Procession in Heraklion

Young men and women in Cretan traditional costumes take part in the Epitaph Procession on Good Friday night

Carrying the Holy Cross decorated with flowers

Greek army is always present in the Bier Procession on Good Friday

Priests carry the Bier (Epitaph or Epitaphios in Greek)

Resurrection of Christ at the lake of Agios Nikolaos

People have started gathering by the lake of Agios Nikolaos. Cafes and restaurants by the lake are all full the night of Holy Saturday.

A panoramic view of the lake of Agios Nikolaos from high above. In the middle of the lake you can see the floating platform with Judas hanging from a rope. Judas will be burned later, when the priest will announce the Resurrection of Jesus.

A close view of the human-sized doll of Judas on the floating platform in the middle of the lake.

The priests and the people of Agios Nikolaos have left the church and they have arrived to the lake for the Resurrection Mass.

People are standing around the lake with candles in their hands. The Holy Light is distributed by the priest to all people in and out of the church.

It is midnight and the priest has announced the Resurrection of Jesus. An impressive fireworks show begins.

At the same moment the doll of Judas is set on fire.

Judas is burning in the middle of the lake.

The people of Agios Nikoaos are watching the fireworks show for the Resurrection of Christ. It is a custom for the members of each family to kiss each other and wish “Hronia Polla” at the moment of the Resurrection.

Fireworks

Fireworks above the bridge in Agios Nikolaos

The fireworks show will continue for several minutes after the Resurrection. When it will be over people will return home for the traditional midnight dinner with the Magiritsa soup. They will also crack red eggs and they will wish each other “Happy Easter” (Hronia Polla).