Christian and pagan traditions mingled as Finns marked Holy Saturday and the beginning of Easter. In Helsinki, tens of thousands of people turned out in cold weather to watch the Via Crucis or 'Way of the Cross' passion play. This was the 13th annual performance in the capital, centred around the steps of the Lutheran Cathedral. About 40 actors took part in the performance. The role of Jesus was played by a theology student. There were also passion plays and Easter processions in many other towns around the country. Bonfires and Witches
There were also echoes of pre-Christian rites of spring in other Easter traditions around Finland. Bonfires were lit in many places, based on an old tradition of lighting fires to ward off witches and evil spirits who are at large on this day.
Girls dressed as witches went door-to-door collecting Easter candy, especially in Ostrobothnia, western Finland. According to the Karelian tradition still prevalent in eastern Finland, they did so last weekend on Palm Sunday.
