Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
AP
A revival of an old Easter tradition has gone ahead in southern Czech Republic amid tight coronavirus restrictions.
After the pandemic prevented it from happening a year ago, a procession of participants in black suits with white masks returned to the city of Ceske Budejovice, beating drums and pushing small noise-making carts.
Participants dressed in black, wearing masks, beating drums and pushing small carts making a synchronised and loud sound take part in an Easter procession marching through the streets of Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic, on Thursday, 1st April . The traditional event went ahead despite COVID-19 restrictions, although participants also wore medical face masks and observed social distancing as a precaution. PICTURE: AP Photo/Petr David Josek.
They all wear face coverings and abide by social distancing rules.
In several European countries, church bells fall silent in the evening on Maundy Thursday – according to tradition they fly home to Rome – and don’t sound again until Easter Sunday.
While the bells are still, believers in several countries, including the Czech Republic and Austria, hold noisy processions to call people to prayers.
Their effort wasn’t in vain.
The government decided to slightly relax the lockdown, allowing believers to attend Easter religious services after 9pm when the overnight curfew begins.
Participants dressed in black, wearing masks, beating drums and pushing small carts making a synchronised and loud sound take part in an Easter procession marching through the streets of Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic, on Friday, 2nd April. PICTURE: AP Photo/Petr David Josek.
“I’m really grateful for it,” said Jan Vodicka, a participant at the event. “Last year’s edition was canceled. This year, it brings people together and gives them hope. That’s what Easter is all about.”
While in Austria and elsewhere, people use wooden rattles to make the noise, believers in Ceske Budejovice returned about 10 years ago to a tradition of using small wooden carts for the Easter rattling, or clattering, as it’s also known.
The processions take place through to Easter Sunday.
