Slovenia entered April with a complete lockdown, closing everything from schools to non-essential shops and services until 12 April in an attempt to contain the third wave of the epidemic and prevent the collapse of our health system. For 11 days starting on 1 April, public life will be shut down. Kindergartens are closed, schools have switched to distance learning, most of the shops are closed, as are the terraces of catering establishments, movement is restricted to regions and a mandatory wearing of face masks outdoors is in place. However, companies will not suspend production. The crossing of state borders has also been restricted. It is no longer possible to travel to neighbouring and most other European countries, including those in the Balkans. Restrictions on travel and public life are being imposed across Europe.

Thursday marking the beginning of the Easter Triduum, this year’s holidays will once again be spent under the shadow of measures to contain the COVID-19 epidemic. People are constantly searching for ways to adapt their holiday celebrations, which reflects the importance of Easter in Slovenian heritage. Despite the epidemic, the Easter holidays will retain their message of hope and victory of life over death. That is why Easter is a holiday celebrating life.