Easter in the Costa Brava: The Death dance, processions and sweets
Of all the Easter celebrations in Spain, the best known are in Andalucia, the solemn processions of Seville, Granada and Malaga come to mind. However there are many places where antique and interesting traditions are maintained. One of these occurs in Verges on the Costa Brava.
Death Dance in Verges, an ancient tradition.
The procession in Verges known for its Death dance is maybe the most important Easter celebrations in the Costa Brava, a true religious relic. The Death dances were macabre spectacles widespread throughout Europe towards the end of the middle Ages. The death Dance in Verges is one of the few that remain today. The origins of the Death dance can be traced back to the black plague which swept through Europe during the 14th century, and the dance was a way of reminding Christians that earthly pleasures would one day come to an end.
The Death Dance in Verges takes place at night, a silent procession with only the burning torches lighting the way through the village streets. Adults and children dressed as skeletons dance and jump to the constant rhythm of the drums. All of them wear something related to Death: a scythe, an hourglass, ash filled plates and Latin phrase when translated reads “No one is spared”.
The procession in Verges occurs on Maundy Thursday, which falls on the 13th of April 2017. Events begin at 5pm and at 10pm the Mystery of the Passion of Christ will take place involving the Dance of Death. After midnight the procession will pass through the streets.
Procession in Girona
Girona also features heavily in the Costa Brava Easter celebrations, the procession in Girona represents the Passion of Christ although not as sinister as that of Verges.
The Good Friday procession leaves the cathedral and winds its way through the maze like streets of the Call, the antique Jewish quarter. Leading the procession are the “manaias”, members of the brotherhood dressed as Roman legionnaires.
Mona de Pascua
Another typical Catalan Easter tradition is the mona de Pascua, a sponge cake covered in almonds and a custard like cream given to children by their grandparents or godparents. The mona de Pascua is usually decorated with small toys, Easter eggs, figurines and different coloured feathers. Itt is tradition for families to get together on Easter Monday and eat the Mona and celebrate the end of Lent. If you decide to celebrate Easter in the Costa Brava, you have to try one.
Laura – Marketing Team
