The Orthodox world celebrates Easter

With temperatures at a 30 year low for the time of year Greek Orthodox Christians along with the rest of the Orthodox world celebrates Easter this week.  Cities emptied out over the weekend as most of those able to abandoned Athens and other major metropolitan areas in order to spend the holiday with family in villages and small towns.

In keeping with tradition Easter Sunday was marked by the roasting of a whole lamb or goat on a spit by many Greeks. For those left behind in Athens, Thessaloniki and other cities local councils held celebrations with music and free food. Despite the cold weather and rain many took up the offer, reflecting the growing economic woes of the country and the fact that rapidly rising food and petrol prices have taken their toll on the urban poor.