Boots brought the first resurrection to Corfu – the impressive Easter custom
In Corfu, thousands of locals and tourists were found on the streets to watch the impressive Bottoma custom, which is associated with the first Resurrection of the Lord.
Early in the morning, visitors had gathered to experience this unique experience, which has its roots in the Venetian occupation. The custom takes place immediately after the liturgy of St. Spyridon, giving admiration in every corner of the island.
From the balconies and windows of the houses, the boots, that is, large or small ceramic painted red containers filled with water, fell on the road. These containers, which have a narrow orifice and two handles, are decorated with red ribbons and breaking on the ground, creating an impressive « rain ». The fragments resulting from their break, the Corfu and visitors take them with them as amulets, in the hope that they will bring good luck.
Botties in Corfu
Happy Easter pic.twitter.com/d9hd3zodrv
– Peace a (@blublu21_) April 19, 2025
See photos of Corfu
The story of custom in Corfu
The custom has its roots in the Venetian era, with two dominant versions of its origin. The first wants the Catholics of the time to fly their old objects at the beginning of the year, expecting a new and better life cycle. Residents in Corfu, adopting the practice, replaced the objects with clay jugs to give even more spectacular dimension to the custom.
The second theory refers to antiquity, when the ancestors of today’s Greeks celebrated the Renaissance of the Earth every April, breaking the old vessels to replace them with new, full of new fruits.
In addition to its religious and cultural dimension, the breaking of booty is for the inhabitants of Corfu an act of preventing evil and a call for good luck. It is no coincidence, after all, that visitors make sure to take with them a piece of broken boot – as an amulet for the rest of the year.
