For Greeks, the annual roasted lamb, slowly turning on the spit on Easter Sunday, is not only a mouth-watering delicacy but also part of a centuries-old tradition written into the national psyche.
The event brings together family and friends outdoors and gives everyone the opportunity to drink, sing and dance, culminating in the ultimate feast–the classic lamb on the spit, which holds a great deal of symbolic meaning in the Greek world.
However, in recent years, protesters have begun to criticize the tradition, claiming that it is barbaric.
Each year, hundreds of thousands of lambs are butchered throughout the country. In many cases, and especially in villages, the slaughter takes place in the open, often in front of children. Humane procedures are not always followed.
Historical Origins of eating lamb
The origin of eating lamb on Easter comes from the Jewish Passover and is associated with the exodus of the Jewish people from Egypt.