Easter is a worldwide event, but it is not celebrated in the same way in all countries. In Brazil, where the majority of the population is Christian, Easter is celebrated after the end of Lent. Leaving aside the religious part, the Brazilian tradition consists of giving people chocolate eggs.
Most of the country celebrates Easter in the same way, but some places influenced by other cultures have slightly different customs, as is the case of Prudentópolis, in the state of Paraná.
About 80% of the city’s inhabitants are of Ukrainian descent, and most of them still follow customs and traditions of the Slavic country. Because of this, the city’s customs have also changed.
The celebration of Easter in Prudentópolis follows Eastern Catholic practices. There are several churches around the city, built based on Byzantine architecture, where Prudentopolitans will perform their rituals of faith.
On Good Friday, worship of the holy shroud takes place, which is watched over by the Cossack brotherhood. Cossacks are warriors native to Ukraine, known for their courage and bravery. The Prudentopolitan descendants of that people founded a brotherhood to preserve the ancient culture of the Cossacks.
The Cossacks brotherhood guards the worship of the holy shroud in Prudentópolis since 1955, always dressed in typical military uniforms, also carrying swords. The group, besides the guard, performs parades, presentations and dances.
On Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday, there is a food blessing, where people take baskets with typical Ukrainian foods, such as pascha (decorated salted bread); babka (similar to panettone); krim; eggs and the traditional krakow, to be blessed by the priest.
Finally, on Easter Sunday, in the courtyards or around the Ukrainian churches, a traditional dance called Haílka sets place. Songs are sung, and dances and games are played to symbolize the celebration of Christ’s resurrection.
Prudentópolis receives several tourists at Easter time, due to all this commotion of the Prudentopolitan people, insisting on preserving their roots and not letting the traditions die.
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