Rick Steves, America's expert on Europe, explores the rich traditions, celebrations, and history behind some of Europe's most colorful and charming Easter celebrations. Discover Carnevale in Venice, Lent in Cantiano, Holy Week in Sevilla, Easter Sunday in Greece, and beyond.
Rick examines "Easter Through the Ages," including the Biblical story of Easter and the pagan and secular traditions that have shaped the Easter celebrations of today. He compares the beliefs of Eastern and Western Orthodox traditions, and shows how holidays are uniquely celebrated across cities and countries. In Rome, the Vatican blesses palm fronds on Palm Sunday, while in Tuscany, olive branches are blessed instead. Churches in Sevilla display elaborate floats for Easter Sunday, while villages across Italy, Slovenia, and Greece celebrate with feasts.
Touching on Italy, Slovenia, Switzerland, Spain, Greece, and the Vatican, and filled with fascinating insights and vibrant full-color photos, Rick Steves European Easter is a delightful way to understand Easter heritage from a multicultural perspective. Since 1973, Rick Steves has spent about four months a year exploring Europe. His mission: to empower Americans to have European trips that are fun, affordable, and culturally broadening. Rick produces a best-selling guidebook series, a public television series, and a public radio show, and organizes small-group tours that take over 30,000 travelers to Europe annually. He does all of this with the help of more than 100 well-traveled staff members at Rick Steves' Europe in Edmonds, WA (near Seattle). When not on the road, Rick is active in his church and with advocacy groups focused on economic and social justice, drug policy reform, and ending hunger. To recharge, Rick plays piano, relaxes at his family cabin in the Cascade Mountains, and spends time with his son Andy and daughter Jackie. Find out more about Rick at www.ricksteves.com and on Facebook.
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