The visual representation of Sufferings (in Easter) at Marpessa of Paros
Greek Easter mystic, unique, full of religious traditions and events. Kids and adults use to wear their best clothing to celebrate the renaissance of nature and the Resurrection of our souls. Let’s welcome the most beautiful season of the year, the Spring! At least let’s wander mentally on the paths of our hometown…
Paros... Since the beginnings of the 20th century the custom of the visual representation of the Good Friday has been established at Marpessa and in the villages of Prodromos, Marmaro, Aspro, Chorio and Lefkes. At Paroikia of Paros, this particular custom happens in the holy church of Zodochos Pigi (in the Greek Language it means source of life) on Palm Sunday. There is a very special religious custom at Marpessa. This happens with children wearing clothes like Roman Soldiers or Christ’s pupils and play scenes from Christ’s entrance in Jerusalem, his prayer on the Hill of the Olives, from his Suffering on the Cross and the Resurrection.
Marpessa wears the best of her clothing and brings to us the customs of the Easter…
At Good Friday, after the performing of the Christ’s body taken down from the cross, a particular kind of dish (“merasmata”) is offered for the forgiveness of the souls of the deads. When the night falls, on the narrow roads of Marpessa, scenes from the life of Christ are performed by faithful people. On several points of the map of the island, into this atmosphere of religious feelings between many others events revives the Resurrection of Lazarus, the Entrance of the Lord in Jerusalim, the Magdaline’s Repentance, the Mystic Dinner, the Prayer on the Hill of the Olives, the Ascent to Calvary, the Crucifixion, and the Epitaph Elegy.
The Resurrection is accompanied, naturally, from campanology, impressive fireworks and firecrackers. At the Easter Sunday a traditional insular spree is organized by local music bands and dance groups. Meals and wine of Paros abound.
Marpessa is located in the east part of Paros. In the graphic settlement of Marpessa you will see considerable architectural parts, churches which are monuments (The Annunciation, Maria Anapliotissa, Saint Modestos, Transfiguration of the Lord), old windmills, and the hill of the Head with the ruins of a Venetian Castle (the Oria’s Castle) and the monastery of Saint Antonios on the top of the hill.
