Corfu: Botides smashed again this year – The beloved tradition
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The unique tradition of the botides was revived once again this year in Corfu, with hundreds of clay pots being thrown and smashed in the streets.
- 11 Απριλίου 2026 12:38
The unique tradition of the botides was revived once again this year in Corfu, with hundreds of clay pots being thrown and smashed in the streets.
The botides once again “purified” the island of Corfu, offering spectacular images to visitors who flood the island during the Easter period.
At the signal of the First Resurrection, at 11 a.m., residents of the island threw thousands of clay pots filled with water from the balconies of their homes in Liston Square, in order to drive away “contaminations” and evil spirits from the island, while also commemorating the Resurrection of the Lord and His victory over Hades.
The tradition, which dates back centuries, is believed to have been faithfully followed since the Venetian rule of the island, when Easter celebrations—specifically the Resurrection—were only permitted to be celebrated during the daytime. It takes place immediately after the procession of Saint Spyridon. The botides are large or small ceramic containers, painted bright red, filled with water, with a narrow opening and two handles on the sides, tied with red ribbons.
Their purpose is to shatter upon hitting the ground, breaking into pieces, many of which people take home to keep as a charm or for good luck.
During the custom, cannon shots are fired from the Old Fortress of Corfu, while everyone exchanges Easter wishes.
Earlier, on the morning of Holy Saturday, Corfu “shook” as at 6:00 a.m. at the Holy Church of the Most Holy Theotokos Faneromeni, known as Panagia of the Foreigners, the custom of the “Reenactment of the Earthquake” was revived, created by the noise from shaking all the icons and oil lamps.
This was followed by the procession of the Epitaph of the Church of Saint Spyridon along with the sacred relic of the Saint, in the courtyard of Saint Spyridon. The custom has been faithfully observed since 1574, when it was established in memory of the miracle of the Saint, who saved the people of Corfu from famine.
Photos of the tradition:
