Easter Saturday

This evening we joined friends for the Easter procession from the church through the streets of the old town in Gmünd. It was a solemn parade behind the brass band, choir and the priest lit by the full moon and candlelight in a cloud of frankincense. It was quite special - I am not a Catholic but I do love a bit of pomp and ceremony and can appreciate the involvement with the church that the residents here have. This is the first time I have been home for Easter. Last year we spent Easter in southern Austria which was a very different experience again, but lovely being part of the local traditions. It was freezing (literally) and we warmed up afterwards with some beverages at one of the local restaurants that could squeeze us in, as everyone had the same idea.