A hectic Easter weekend
THE FABULOUS weather over the Easter weekend saw an influx of visitors descend on Benidorm’s golden, sandy beaches. Hosbec, the hoteliers’ association, reported an overall occupancy rate in Benidorm hotels of 86%, going up to 90% in the case of three star hotels, over the four-day period.
Neighbouring Altea was virtually fully booked, reporting a 96% occupancy rate which is great news for those in the hospitality sector, while beaches up and down the coast resembled a summer’s day. They've certainly had a couple of rough years, so the influx of visitors was very welcome and hopefully an early indication of what the summer will be like.
As normal, parking spaces in the resort were at a premium, as the ‘madrileños’ arrived from the capital and parked up for the duration – a little reminder of what is in store for us every August! Fortunately, the town hall had opened a number of additional free car parks to cope with the anticipated invasion. But, if the truth be told, they had made agreements with a number of private individuals who owned land, and levelled it out to use as free parking for a specified period.
No doubt after that time, which I am sure will be years as opposed to months, construction work will commence.
As the saying goes, you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours… although what will happen if the powers change after the May elections is anybody’s guess.
We almost appear to have bypassed winter this year bar a couple of cold weeks, but overall we have been rather lucky – and Wednesday was positively hot.
Speaking to those back in the UK, the relatively modest Good Friday weather was the pinnacle of it, and by Tuesday, rain and winds were lashing down and the central heating was back on in many households.
Perhaps that explains the sudden drop in temperatures yesterday as it drifted down, but the forecast shows temperatures hovering in the early twenties for the next week or so. It seems quite bizarre that I’m pondering whether to change the thick winter duvet yet or hang on just in case.
For Christians, Easter is the most significant time of the year, marking the death and resurrection of Jesus and always observed on the first Sunday following the first full moon that occurs on or after the vernal equinox, usually around March 21.
The parades here are rather splendid and whether religious or not, they are incredible to watch, some participants even walk barefooted and shackled with chains.
I celebrated not one but two Easters last weekend, and attended Mass in Denia on Saturday for the blessing of the Easter basket. This is a Ukrainian tradition that takes place the day before Easter Sunday, all the Easter baskets line the central aisle, either side of the pews. The centrepiece is the paska, an Easter bread which is highly symbolic, representing the presence of God.
I cannot claim any credit for it as my sister-in-law spent the entire day baking them. Next are pysanky, highly decorated eggs using bees wax and coloured dye. They are not eaten, but are important amulets representing rebirth and resurrection. Each colour and symbol holds important significance. Krashanky are hard boiled eggs, dyed red, to symbolise eternity and Christ's blood – some just put peeled hard boiled eggs in, which are eaten for breakfast the following morning. Next there are dairy products, provided by nature, symbols of love and care. The two main ones included in the basket are butter and cheese, placed in bowls and sometimes with crosses drawn on them.
The tradition of including meat originates from the Old Testament and the sacrificial lamb, which marks the end of
Lent. Generally, ham and cured smoked sausage are included.
Other additions include horseradish, the bitterness to symbolise Christ’s suffering and crucifixion, salt, a symbol of fullness and abundance, and some greenery, to symbolise eternal life. A candle is also included and lit during the blessing of the baskets, to remind us of the light of Christ.
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