Easter traditions

The customs and traditions of the day across the country – On Mount Athos, on Sunday morning the Easter table includes fish soup and fish

As Easter approaches, anticipation builds for one of the most cherished Christian holidays celebrated in Bulgaria. Steeped in tradition and culinary delights, Easter is a time for families to come together, share hearty meals, and rejoice in the spirit of renewal and rebirth.

Easter, or the Resurrection of Christ, stands as the most significant and vibrant holiday in the Orthodox Christian calendar. Rooted in the celebration of Jesus Christ's return to life after crucifixion, Easter embodies both spiritual renewal and the triumph of spring over winter.

The Easter Basket of more affordable goods for the traditional Orthodox Easter feast has come into effect until May 4, the same day on which the Lenten Basket for lower-priced lenten foods comes to an end.

As Easter approaches, Greeks are facing the highest lamb prices in recent years, prompting many to seek alternatives across the border in Bulgaria. Local farmers in Greece report that lamb meat prices are expected to soar to 15 euros per kilogram, driving consumers to explore other options for their holiday feasts.

Today marks Easter Sunday for Catholics in Bulgaria and around the globe, a sacred occasion commemorating the Resurrection of Christ. Joining them in this celebration are the Armenian and Protestant churches, which also observe the Resurrection of Jesus Christ on this first Sunday after the vernal equinox.

Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou has been banished - along with the prime minister - from the customary Easter celebrations by the Church of Greece, which has chosen this method of payback for the ratification of the same-sex marriage law.

Easter liturgies were held in churches across the country, after which traditional egg-tapping contests were organized in many places. The belief is that the winner of the egg tapping contest (whoever's egg does not crack) will have the best health that year.
Many officials from the country and the region congratulated the citizens of Serbia on the great holiday.

Israeli police will curb the number of worshippers in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem for safety reasons during Orthodox Easter ceremonies on Saturday, drawing anger from church leaders who said they would not cooperate.

Many of the Greek Easter customs are particular to the region & may look peculiar, but they are spectacular!