Easter in Brazil

Easter is a very important Christian festival celebrated across the world with a lot of joy, zeal and excitement. Easter not only commemorates the resurrection of Christ, it also marks the end of the Lent season and the beginning of the spring time. The largest Catholic country in the world, Brazil celebrates Easter is a very different manner. Easter is known as Páscoa in Brazil. In around 99% of the households, meat is a big no on the Easter holiday. Kids are taught about Christ, the resurrection and teachings of God and informed that the festival is not just about Easter bunny. It is a day to visit the church, relax and stay at home with family and friends unlike.

In Brazil, Easter festivity is held with immense grandeur and splendor. Unlike most the other countries, Easter celebrations in Brazil take place in the autumn season, owing to its geographical location. They begin with the Holy Week rituals, which involve palm branches being woven to form crosses, banners, letters and other objects. In Brazil, the coming of Easter is marked by enormous preparations as everybody gears up for the occasion. Fête and gala carnivals are held everywhere to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus.

Worshipping nature is one of the major aspects of Easter celebrations in Brazil. Macela flower, which blooms during the Lent season only, is revered by the people. They bring this flower to the church, seeking the blessing of the priest. The flower is then used as a medicine. 'Pacoca' is a special food that is prepared in every Brazilian household on the occasion of Easter. Some other Brazilian delicacies include clipfish, chocolate Easter eggs and Easter ring cake. A mecca of colorful carnivals, Brazil is known all over the world for its impeccable Rio Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, which precedes Easter.

During Easter, fun fiestas are held in the historic towns of Minas Gerais and Novo Jerusalem. The jubilation starts before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Some of the most popular festivities of the carnival are 'Sambodromo' and the 'Humanity Festival'. While the former is a 700-meter long parade strip, visited by a multitude of visitors - locals as well as tourists, the latter is a religious festival of the Holy Spirit, anchoring the energy of 3rd ray on Earth. Apart from the major carnivals, people in small groups stroll down the streets singing and dancing, known as 'blocos' or 'bandas'. The village of Fazenda stages Biblical passion play, an event that started in back in 1950. In Brazil, Easter means festive time, a time to rejoice and express joy.