On Easter Sunday, just after midnight , we heard fireworks! Looking out from our apartment you could see fireworks in several different places. A new way to celebrate the joy of Easter! In the morning, we heard loud popping sounds—more fireworks! Brilliant white flashes reminded me of the dazzling white worn by the angels sitting on that empty tomb 2000 years ago. As we were leaving our apartment, there were bits of leaves and flowers strewn on the tiles. Down the street we could hear a bell ringing. The priest was coming. Later on that day we watched another priest and his entourage carrying a large cross go down a street, then enter a house with flower petals scattered by the front gate. We were told that the flowers and greenery were a sign of welcome, and the priest would come in to bless their home.
(One driveway had a very elaborate welcome mat!)
As our church only has evening services, we drove to Penafiel through thick fog for their joyful morning service, and a picnic in a park. I should clarify. Imagine brilliant sunshine after a week of lots of cold rainy weather. Here, the picnic meant a feast with roast lamb. Some of the picnic tables were made of stone, covered with lace tablecloths. The park is actually Monte Mozinho, the archaelogical site of a Roman and pre Roman village. The area is surrounded by terraced grapevines. Our view was a beautiful valley, and throughout the afternoon you could see bright flashes of light, puffs of smoke and then hear the loud bangs as fireworks announced the area that the priest was visiting. We enjoyed getting to know some of the people from A Fonte.
...Our view
Another empty tomb...
All too soon, we had to take our dear Swedish friend, Maria, to the airport. Then in the evening, another celebration with our own friends in A Ponte. We sang, shared food and enjoyed one another’s company. Truly an Easter to remember.
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