Easter in Villach: tradition, market and solemn highlights!

Easter in Villach: tradition, market and solemn highlights!

On April 17, 2025, the focus is on the celebrations for Easter in Villach. On Holy Saturday, the weekly market on the Draulände with fresh Easter ham and colorfully colored eggs attracts. The highlight of the event, which is emphasized by market officer Christian Pober as significantly, is the spitting blessing at 10 a.m., which is musically framed by city pastor Richard Pirker and the financial choir quartet. This tradition should not only strengthen the community, but also promote the festive atmosphere in the city.

After the blessing, an eggpeck tournament is organized, in which the participants can hope for attractive prices. The Easter market on the town hall and upper church square remains open until Saturday at 2 p.m. and offers a variety of Easter goods, decorations and children's attractions. In addition, the traditional Easter fire is inflamed in Vassach and Pogöriach at 6 p.m. and at 8 p.m. in Drobolach.

Easter: a festival with deep meaning

Easter is the most important festival of Christians worldwide, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus on the third day after his death on the cross. According to ZDF , the name "Easter" may be created from the Germanic spring goddess Ostara or from the cardinal direction east. Many countries use terms such as "Pases" or "Paques" that go back to the Jewish festival Pessach. The central message of Easter emphasizes that life over death.

In Catholic teaching, the highlight of the celebrations is celebrated on Easter night between Saturday evening and Sunday morning. Different symbols such as fire, water blessing and the Easter candle come into play that night. After the time of silence, which has been in effect for Maundy Thursday, bells and organs sound again. The Easter fire is also a widespread custom in Germany and symbolizes life and warmth.

international customs and traditions

The variety of Easter customs worldwide is impressive. According to Planet know, for example, people in Germany hide colorful eggs, while in Spain drum processions that are reminiscent of Jesus' history. A remarkable custom is the large Easter parade on the Fifth Avenue in New York, which has been enthusiastic about 30,000 annually since the 1870s.