Hadrian’s Palace – March 29 to 31
Arbëreshe Easter
Services related to Easter in Palazzo Adriano begin on the Friday before Palm Sunday, when at nightfall the faithful of the Greek-Byzantine rite chant the “Kënga e Lazërit” that is, Song of Lazarus, through the streets of the town.
The celebrations culminate on Holy Saturday with the traditional “Open Doors” (Arate Pilas). It reenacts the episode of Jesus’ descent to the Underworld, his Resurrection and the defeat of death, through a dialogue in three languages-Greek, Albanian and Italian-between Papas (a priest of the Greek-Byzantine rite) and the devil, which is followed by the priest’s symbolic entrance into the church, followed by the faithful singing the song “Christos Anesti” (Christ is Risen).
Likewise, the Latin Rite community gathers in front of the churchyard where a large fire is lit, a symbol of Christ’s Resurrection.
An Easter candle is lit from the flames, from which in turn the faithful will light candles that they will use to enter the church and attend mass.
After the end of the religious celebrations, the faithful of the Greek rite pour out into the streets of the village singing “Christos Anesti,” while those of the Latin rite sing “The Angels of Glory,” announcing the glad tidings to the whole village, receiving eggs or money.
On the Tuesday after Easter, as throughout the Christian East, Our Lady of Grace is celebrated in Palazzo Adriano as the personage closest to the death and resurrection of Christ.
