Happy Easter! He is risen!!
I meant to get this post up last week but I’m still figuring out how to juggle getting work done (that big project I’ve been hinting at is going to be so worth the wait!) while chasing two toddlers and caring for a newborn:)
Easter is so special in Croatia… we have friends here who are believers and friends who are agnostic but still take part with their families in many of the traditions during Veliki Tjedan, “Big Week.” As an American, it has been amazing to see Christ’s resurrection celebrated so unabashedly and joyously in the streets, homes and churches! Here are some of the Easter traditions to give you a taste of what it’s been like here…
Palm Sunday is translated here as “Flower Sunday.” Olive branches are sold throughout the markets and brought to church to be blessed to be kept in the home all year. There’s also an old custom for each family member to wash their faces with flower water to celebrate new life.
Croatian pisanice (Easter eggs) are hand-made masterpieces. I bought so many from the market. Gracie broke so many from the market 😉
One of my favorite parts about Holy Week in Croatia is the Križni put, “Way of the Cross.” A cross-bearer leads the way as you walk behind, contemplating the events of Good Friday and singing the Lamentation of the Virgin Mary. I got up early, put Georgia back to sleep and went solo to the one you see above. We’re not Catholic, and I only understood about half of the vocabulary, but I am so glad I got to be there! On the night of Good Friday, we missed the kids’ bedtimes to go to the Zagreb Cathedral for it’s version. The screaming children at the end of the service were ours, sorrrrryyy. In Dalmatia, especially on the islands, the Way of the Cross is known as Za križen, “Following the Cross,” and the procession goes through the night over many miles.
There is also a tradition to drink the family-made red wine through the night to think on Christ’s blood shed.
Ham, spring onions, radishes, young cheese, eggs and this sweet aromatic bread called pinca are the special foods for Easter.
Zagreb also had free concerts in some of the most beautiful churches in the city. Cam and I (and sweet Georgia!) got to spend a night listening to Bach’s St John Passion fill the barely lit Zagreb Cathedral. It was beyond words and has gone down as one of our most favorite experiences in Croatia.
I hope you all had a joyous week! xox
Georgia says
Christ is Risen! Love the photos of Croatian Easter tradition. You'd love the Greek Easter too- Eastern Orthodox Christians take our Pascha (Passover) very seriously. If you ever get a chance to be in Greece for an Easter, it's a beautiful experience 🙂
Amanda Marshall says
Oh I would love that – I've heard of Easter celebrations in Greece from friends who have experienced it and hope to get to one day! I hope you had a wonderful Easter, Georgia! He is risen indeed!
Lorraine says
Amanda, I'm so so happy you got to experience Easter in Zagreb, I know it is your favourite time of year. So many beautiful memories x
Amanda Marshall says
Thank you, Lo!!!! It was so special — I'm going to miss this time of year so much when we move back to the States!
julie @ jewelswandering.com says
Easter in Zagreb looks amazing! Those eggs are so incredibly gorgeous!!
Amanda Marshall says
Thanks, Julie.. they're even prettier in person! Happy Easter!
Amanda Marshall says
Thanks, Julie.. they're even prettier in person! Happy Easter!
Tim and Lanna Britt says
I'm so proud of you all for going out and attending all these events… with a newborn and toddlers!! You guys are rockstars. And I love all those painted eggs! He is risen indeed!
xoxoxo -lanneybear
Amanda Marshall says
Haha please insert with a "screaming" newborn and toddlers! 😉 We wouldnt have missed any of it for the world!! He is risen! Love you!
brittany says
wow, what an unforgettable time of celebrating!!!! everything there just looks gorgeous. and authentic. i love it so much. those eggs!!!! they are still making me swoon!
Amanda Marshall says
Me too!!!! I just packed up a box of them to ship back to the States so we can always remember Easters here!
Mary Grace M says
I'm so glad you got to do this, Amanda! I know we both love Easter 🙂 I was thinking of and praying for you! And the Way of the Cross is one of my favorite experiences. I'd love to hear more about yours! xoxo
Amanda Marshall says
Aww thank you, MG! I was thinking of you too – I'm so glad we share a love for Easter. I'll tell you about it anytime you want – it was really amazing to experience! Happy Easter, friend!
Red Strings says
We happen to meet a great people there and started to chat with them and drink w/them too. I had a great time here, glad we found this place by accident. Will definitely come to these LA venues again as anyone will make this a regular spot easily.