Can’t see video? Update Adobe Flash Player
Video may take a moment to load. Return to Video Index
Blog: At midnight, as the clock chimes to welcome in Easter Sunday, the locals gather and hurl firecrackers at Skala church. Tradition has it that this will ward off evil spirits for the coming year, writes former Shropshire man Colin Dodd from his home on the Greek island of Kefalonia.
The candles they carry have all been lit from one inside the church, the “Holy Flame”. It is said that if you make it home without your candle going out, good luck is yours for the next year.
During the wartime occupation of the island, Easter was the only time the islanders were permitted to use any form of explosive, and the resistance fighters used the opportunity to try out their home-made bombs, and any firearms they had.
The louder bangs that can be heard are the result of two local guys, (anonymity preferred), who make their own “device” from diesel, fertiliser and a 45 gallon drum. It’s all highly illegal but very entertaining.
The police were very conspicuous by their absence – a case of the Kefalonian blind eye. The firecrackers start about a week before, and continue about another week after Easter. No traditional reason for this, the younger lads just love the noise.
Best regards,
Colin
Shropshire Star on Twitter
Keep updated with the latest breaking news and content on our Twitter feed.
Lifestyle
Interactive Dining Out map
Hundreds of reviews by the Shropshire Star and Express & Star's teams to help you decide where to eat.
Entertainment
All the film reviews
Before you plan a trip to the pictures, get our critics' verdicts on all the latest movie releases.
OUR NEW APP
Get the new Shropshire Star app
Download the Shropshire Star’s new app to your iPad or iPhone to get one week of access to our digital newspapers absolutely FREE.
shropshirestar.com
Popular sections
Useful links
