Germany
In Germany, old Christmas trees are burned to welcome both Lent and spring during the Lent. Holy Week is observed by the staging of the processions. The most famous one is held every ten years a custom that goes back to 1633. Holy Thursday is called Green Thursday in Germany.
Philippines
Kwaresma means Lent. It is the season when Filipinos remember Christ’s suffering, death and resurrection. It starts on Ash Wednesday till Black Saturday then comes Easter. For most of the week, the towns are quiet with TV and radio stations going off the air and no loud noises or revelry whatsoever is allowed. Catholics give up eating meat, fish and the more devout ones go on a completely liquid diet.
(Tomorrow: the Czech Republic and Russia)