Easter is one of the most widely celebrated holidays, but did you know that different countries have their own special ways of marking the occasion? From giant omelets to water fights, here are some of the most fascinating Easter traditions from around the world!
1. Spain – Semana Santa (Holy Week) Processions
In Spain, Easter is a deeply religious event celebrated with elaborate processions during Semana Santa (Holy Week). Cities like Seville and Málaga are famous for their grand parades featuring massive religious statues, hooded penitents, and solemn music.
2. Greece – Midnight Resurrection and Pot-Smashing
Greek Easter, usually celebrated on a different date than Western Easter, is a big event! At midnight on Holy Saturday, churches across Greece announce Christ’s resurrection with fireworks. On the island of Corfu, locals throw clay pots out of windows to symbolize renewal and new beginnings.
3. Sweden – Easter Witches (Påskkärringar)
In Sweden, children dress up as Easter witches and go door to door, much like Halloween. They exchange drawings and cards for sweets. It’s a mix of Christian and old pagan traditions!
4. Poland – Śmigus-Dyngus (Wet Monday)
The Monday after Easter, known as Śmigus-Dyngus or Wet Monday, is a playful day when people splash each other with water. Traditionally, boys would pour water on girls they liked, but today, everyone takes part in the fun!
5. France – The Giant Easter Omelet
In the town of Bessières, France, locals cook a massive omelet using thousands of eggs on Easter Monday. This tradition is said to have started when Napoleon and his army stopped in the town, and he ordered a giant omelet to be prepared for his soldiers.
6. Bermuda – Kite Flying and Fish Cakes
Bermuda celebrates Easter with colorful homemade kites soaring in the sky on Good Friday. The tradition is said to have started when a teacher used a kite to explain Christ’s ascension. Bermudians also enjoy hot cross buns and codfish cakes.
7. Australia – Bilbies Instead of Bunnies
Since rabbits are considered pests in Australia, the country has adopted the Easter Bilby as an alternative to the Easter Bunny. Chocolate bilbies are sold to raise awareness about this endangered native animal.
8. Ethiopia – Fasika
Ethiopian Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter, known as Fasika, with a long period of fasting. After 55 days of vegan meals, the feast on Easter Sunday includes a special spicy chicken stew called Doro Wat, eaten with injera bread.
9. Guatemala – Colorful Alfombras (Carpets)
Guatemala is famous for its stunning alfombras, or carpets made of dyed sawdust, flowers, and sand. These intricate designs cover streets before Easter processions, creating breathtaking art that is later walked over by religious parades.
10. Finland – Bonfires and Trick-or-Treating
In Finland, Easter traditions mix Christianity and folklore. People light bonfires to ward off evil spirits, while children dress up as witches and go from house to house, reciting rhymes and receiving treats.
From water fights in Poland to flying kites in Bermuda, Easter is celebrated in many unique ways around the world! No matter the tradition, the holiday is a time for joy, renewal, and spending time with loved ones.
