Several regions in Greece adopt the tradition of hot-air balloons for Easter – a tradition that turn the night into a marvelous and colorful spectacle.
The hot-air balloons are prepared weeks before the “great” night, as almost every house builds its own balloon.
The technique used is specific and comes from the old days. The hot-air balloons are made of reed and paper, and its size varies, without however exceeding two meters. Big balloons require 32 to 36 papers, whereas the smaller ones need 8 to 16 or 18 papers. A cloth drenched in oil and petrol is used in order to “send” the balloons flying.
In Leonidio, Arcadia, during the Resurrection night, the “Night of the hot-air balloons,” a tradition takes place that started in late 19th century. The tradition dates back to local sailors who, as they traveled across the globe, were fascinated by an equivalent Asian tradition. The sailors “brought it” back home, which with time was established and compounded with the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus on Saturday.
As soon as the first “Christos Anesti” (Christ Resurrected) is heard, Churches burn the effigy of Judas and release the hot-air balloon in the sky. The spectacular atmosphere is completed with fireworks, petards and all kinds of colorful explosives.
Another place in Greece that keeps the tradition of hot-air balloons is Loutra Edipsou. More than 500 hot-air balloons were sent to the sky on Easter Sunday, May 1, when the event started at 7:30 pm in Agios’ central square.
Source: greekreporter.com
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