In keeping with the tradition of 'botides', Corfiots marked Holy Saturday by throwing large clay jugs filled with water from the balconies of homes in the centre of town, and watching them smash into pieces on the streets below.
Thousands from around the world usually gather around to watch the unique Holy Saturday tradition, however this year due to the global pandemic, the event took place last year without any crowds.
However it seems that this year the coronavirus restrictions were defied, with thousands of people gathering to see the spectacle in what appeared to be a violation of the social-distancing measures that are still in place.
The clay jugs have a narrow mouth and two handles on the side for carrying.
It is believed that the custom would help ward off bad spirits.
Watch the video:
[su_youtube url="https://youtu.be/egJ9Ms_92OI" width="700" title="Corfu keeps 'Botides' tradition of pot-smashing alive"]How did the tradition start?
The noisy custom derived from the Venetians, who on New Year’s Day, would throw their old things from the windows in the hopes of receiving new ones for the next year.
The Corfiots adopted the tradition, applying it to the most important day in their calendar, Greek Easter.
As the years have gone by, old things have been replaced by pots and jugs of water, which make for an even louder noise upon impact.
It is even thought that the peculiar custom may have roots in the biblical passage “Thou, O Lord, raise me up, that I may crush them as a potter’s vessel.”
Video by: @casa_chalichiopoulo
