Easter is celebrated in 95 countries around the world, which means that there are a ton of Easter traditions from all different cultures. Here are twenty ways Easter is celebrated around the world.
1. Greece
Easter in Greece is one of the most important holidays of the year, and many traditions revolve around food. A traditional Easter food is tsoureki, which is a sweet bread that is often flavored with orange or lemon. In Greece, Easter Sunday is a day of feasting and celebration. A common tradition is to make Easter bread, which is often braided and decorated with Easter eggs.
2. Germany
Easter in Germany is a time for Easter markets and fairs. There are also many Easter egg hunts and children receive gifts from the Easter Bunny.
3. Italy
In Italy, Easter Monday is a national holiday and many people spend the day with family members or friends. A traditional Italian dish for Easter is Colomba, which is a dove-shaped cake that symbolizes peace.
4. The Philippines
The Philippines have a very unique Easter tradition called the “Santo Nino de Cebu.” On Easter Sunday, a procession is held in honor of the Santo Nino, which is a statue of the infant Jesus.
5. Norway
Easter in Norway often involves going to church and then enjoying a festive meal with friends and family. A popular Easter dish is lutefisk, which is dried cod that has been soaked in lye.
6. Sweden
Easter celebrations in Sweden typically involve Easter fires and Easter feasts. One popular Easter food is semla, which is a sweet bun that is filled with almond paste and cream.
7. Australia
Easter in Australia is often celebrated with outdoor activities such as sports games or picnics. Hot cross buns, which are spiced buns that are decorated with a cross on top, are a popular Easter treat.
8. Poland
Easter is one of the most important holidays in Poland and many Easter traditions revolve around food. A common dish served is babka, which is a sweet yeast cake that is often flavored with citrus.
9. Mexico
Easter celebrations in Mexico typically involve processions and religious ceremonies. A traditional Easter food is capirotada, which is a bread pudding that is made with fruits, nuts, and cheese.
10. Ireland
Easter in Ireland is often celebrated with parades and street parties. A popular Easter treat is chocolate Irish cream eggs, which are eggs filled with Irish cream liqueur.
11. Scotland
Easter in Scotland is typically a time for religious observances and spending time with family. A traditional Easter food is haggis, which is a dish made with sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs.
12. France
Easter celebrations in France often involve attending church services and eating Easter meals with family and friends. A traditional Easter food is lamb chops, which are often served with mint sauce.
13. Denmark
Easter in Denmark is typically a time for enjoying Easter meals with family and friends. A popular Easter dish is stegt flæsk med persillesovs, which is pork belly served with potato mash and parsley sauce.
14. Guatemala
Easter celebrations in Guatemala often involve processions and religious ceremonies. A traditional Easter food is fiambre, which is a dish made with pickled vegetables, meats, and cheeses.
15. Latvia
Easter in Latvia is typically a time for enjoying Easter meals with family and friends. A popular Easter food is paska, which is a sweet yeast bread that is often flavored with raisins or citrus.
16. Jamaica
Easter in Jamaica is often celebrated with church services and family gatherings. A traditional Easter food is ackee and saltfish, which is a dish made with the national fruit of Jamaica and salted cod.
17. Switzerland
Easter in Switzerland is typically a time for attending church services and Easter markets. A popular Easter food is chocolate Easter eggs, which are often filled with Swiss chocolate.
18. Portugal
Easter celebrations in Portugal often involve processions and religious ceremonies. A traditional Easter food is bacalhau, which is a dish made with salt cod and potatoes.
19. The United Kingdom
Easter in the United Kingdom is typically a time for attending church services and eating Easter meals with family and friends. A popular Easter food is hot cross buns, which are spiced buns that are decorated with a cross on top.
20. The United States of America
Easter in the United States is typically a time for attending church services and Easter egg hunts. A popular Easter food is Peeps, which are marshmallow candies that are shaped like chicks.
As you can see, Easter is observed in a variety of ways all over the globe! Whether it’s Easter fires, feasts, processions, or egg hunts, there are many ways to celebrate this holiday.