AP PHOTOS: Czech believers revive Easter rattling procession
Participants in black suits with white masks are marching in the southern Czech city of Ceske Budejovice, beating drums and pushing small carts in a revival of an Easter tradition.
In several European countries the church bells fall silent in the evening on Maundy Thursday — according to tradition they fly home to Rome — and don't sound again until Easter Sunday.
While the bells are still, believers in several countries, including the Czech Republic and Austria hold noisy processions to call people to prayers. The processions take place through Easter Sunday.
Participants dressed in black, wearing masks, beating drums and pushing small carts that make a synchronized and loud sound take part in an Easter procession through the streets of Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic, Friday, April 19, 2019. (AP PhotoPetr David Josek)
While in Austria and elsewhere, people use wooden rattles to make the noise, believers in Ceske Budejovice returned about 10 years ago to a tradition of using small wooden carts for the Easter rattling, or clattering as it's also known.
In a new twist, they're wearing white masks to reflect the mystery of Easter as they march on the cobbled streets in the city's historic center.
Participants dressed in black, wearing masks, beating drums and pushing small carts that make a synchronized and loud sound take part in an Easter procession through the streets of Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic, Friday, April 19, 2019. (AP PhotoPetr David Josek)
In this picture taken on Thursday, April 18, 2019, participants dressed in black, wearing masks, beating drums and pushing small carts that make a synchronized and loud sound take part in an Easter procession through the streets of Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic. (AP PhotoPetr David Josek)
Participants dressed in black and wearing masks take part in an Easter procession through the streets of Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic, Friday, April 19, 2019. (AP PhotoPetr David Josek)
Participants dressed in black, wearing masks, beating drums and pushing small carts that make a synchronized and loud sound take part in an Easter procession through the streets of Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic, Friday, April 19, 2019. (AP PhotoPetr David Josek)
In this picture taken on Thursday, April 18, 2019, young boy dressed in black and wearing a mask prepares to take part in an Easter procession through the streets of Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic. (AP PhotoPetr David Josek)
Participant carries a mask before taking part in an Easter procession through the streets of Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic, Friday, April 19, 2019. (AP PhotoPetr David Josek)
Participant adjusts his hat before taking part in an Easter procession through the streets of Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic, Friday, April 19, 2019. (AP PhotoPetr David Josek)
In this picture taken on Thursday, April 18, 2019, participants dressed in black, wearing masks, beating drums and pushing small carts that make a synchronized and loud sound take part in an Easter procession through the streets of Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic. (AP PhotoPetr David Josek)
In this picture taken on Thursday, April 18, 2019, participants dressed in black, wearing masks, beating drums and pushing small carts that make a synchronized and loud sound take part in an Easter procession through the streets of Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic. (AP PhotoPetr David Josek)
Participants dressed in black and wearing masks push a cart with a cross during an Easter procession through the streets of Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic, Friday, April 19, 2019. (AP PhotoPetr David Josek)