The Easter holidays can be a lovely time to go away; you get to enjoy the summer here at home and avoid the huge poolside crowds. It can be hard to decide where to spend Easter, though, so why not read about how Easter is celebrated in Catholic countries to decide whether experiencing the festivities in Brazil, Malta or Italy might interest you.
Brazil may not instantly jump to mind when thinking of devout Catholic countries but it certainly is, and Pscoa - the name for Easter in Brazil - is celebrated in style with carnivals and parades. Something special about Easter in Brazil is the Macela flower which blooms only during Lent time and is worshipped by devout Catholics and taken to church on Palm Sunday to receive a blessing from the Priest. The flower is then used medicinally as it is believed to cure diseases.
South America is a whole world of opportunity, and although the price of flights might not be very cheap, general living costs upon arrival are quite reasonable. Accommodation can be booked for a decent price, which attracts a lot of backpackers to the continent as it's a stark opposite to UK living costs.
The streets of Malta are filled with processions of huge biblical statues on Good Friday, carried by local men. Biblical scenes are re-enacted and hundreds of local people will participate in each parade, some dressed in white robes with ankle chains and carrying wooden crosses. These parades represent Jesus' journey to Golgotha and typically happen at 3pm, the time Jesus died.
Visitors to Malta will be able to watch the parades and then wander down side-streets to find stalls selling treats to eat on Sunday, after Lent finishes. In particular, Maltese Easter sweets called Figolla will be everywhere - a sweet pastry filled with almonds and coated in icing. Easter Sunday is a much more joyous day in Malta, starting with church bells ringing, followed by morning Mass, and then band marches and a precession with a statue of the Risen Christ. Easter lunch is a roast lamb dinner, followed of course by Figolla!
Brazil may not instantly jump to mind when thinking of devout Catholic countries but it certainly is, and Pscoa - the name for Easter in Brazil - is celebrated in style with carnivals and parades. Something special about Easter in Brazil is the Macela flower which blooms only during Lent time and is worshipped by devout Catholics and taken to church on Palm Sunday to receive a blessing from the Priest. The flower is then used medicinally as it is believed to cure diseases.
South America is a whole world of opportunity, and although the price of flights might not be very cheap, general living costs upon arrival are quite reasonable. Accommodation can be booked for a decent price, which attracts a lot of backpackers to the continent as it's a stark opposite to UK living costs.
The streets of Malta are filled with processions of huge biblical statues on Good Friday, carried by local men. Biblical scenes are re-enacted and hundreds of local people will participate in each parade, some dressed in white robes with ankle chains and carrying wooden crosses. These parades represent Jesus' journey to Golgotha and typically happen at 3pm, the time Jesus died.
Visitors to Malta will be able to watch the parades and then wander down side-streets to find stalls selling treats to eat on Sunday, after Lent finishes. In particular, Maltese Easter sweets called Figolla will be everywhere - a sweet pastry filled with almonds and coated in icing. Easter Sunday is a much more joyous day in Malta, starting with church bells ringing, followed by morning Mass, and then band marches and a precession with a statue of the Risen Christ. Easter lunch is a roast lamb dinner, followed of course by Figolla!
About the Author:
Chris Brown is a travel journalist based in London who writes articles on top hotels, cruises and destinations. For more information on cheap holidays during Easter check out the www.MyTravel.com website.
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