In Brazil, Easter festivity is held with much grandeur and splendor. Unlike most of the other countries, Brazil has its Easter celebrations taking place in the autumn season, due to its geographical location. They begin with the Holy Week rituals, which involve palm branches being woven to form crosses, banners, letters and other objects. In Brazil, the coming of Easter is marked by enormous preparations as everybody gears up for the occasion. Fête and gala carnivals are held everywhere to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus.
Worshipping nature is one of the major aspects of Easter celebrations in Brazil. Macela flower, which blooms during the Lent season only, is revered by the people. They bring this flower to the church, seeking the blessing of the priest. The flower is, later, used as a medicine. ‘Pacoca’ is a special food that is prepared in every Brazilian household, on Easter. Some other Brazilian delicacies include clipfish, chocolate Easter eggs and Easter ring cake. A mecca of colorful carnivals, Brazil is known all over the world for its impeccable Rio Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, which precedes Easter.
During Easter, fun fiestas are held in the historic towns of Minas Gerais and Novo Jerusalem. The jubilation starts before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Some of the most popular festivities of the carnival are ‘Sambodromo’ and the ‘Humanity Festival’. While the former is a 700-meter long parade strip, visited by a multitude of visitors - locals as well as tourists, the latter is a religious festival of the Holy Spirit, anchoring the energy of 3rd ray on Earth. The village of Fazenda stages Biblical passion play, an event that started in 1950. In Brazil, Easter means festive time, a time to rejoice and express joy.
