For travelers abroad or expatriates, it’s always interesting to observe or participate in the festivities of one’s destination or adopted country, in order to better understand its culture. … Customs and traditions remain unique to each country. What do other countries do for Easter? It’s time to discover customs from around the world!
Easter nest hunt
In Germany, Switzerland and many other countries, children and even some adults hunt for Easter nests. What does it involve? These are baskets or boxes filled with bunnies or chocolate eggs, candies and toys, supposedly hidden by the Easter Bunny himself.
Procession traditions
In many countries, Easter is associated with traditions of pilgrimage and processions. These processions can take many forms. In the Philippines, for example, children are dressed as angels, and a procession of men behind Christ joins a procession of women behind a statue of the Virgin Mary. In Latin America and South America (Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Venezuela), we find colorful, dancing traditions.
Popoyan processions, Colombia
The Popoyan Holy Week processions are one of the oldest traditions in the whole of Colombia. They were declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2009. They last 5 days until Easter. This Catholic religious event celebrates Mary, Jesus, the Cross, the Entombment and the Resurrection, with one procession each evening.
Easter Bunny, United States
It’s the famous Easter Bunny who will bring the chocolates to the children (and adults…). On Easter morning, New York City hosts a highly original parade. Men and women gather on 5th Avenue to parade in eccentric hats.
Defying tradition, Australia
In kangaroo country, rabbits are seen as morons. The animal is considered a scourge because it harms the environment. In recent years, they have been increasingly replaced by the bilby, a small marsupial from the Australian desert. With its big ears, it’s no match for the rabbit, and now hides the eggs in the garden before the traditional hunt.
Carpeting in Guatemala
At Easter, Guatemalans don’t walk on clouds, but on carpets of flowers. In Guatemala, Holy Week is sacred, and is the occasion for numerous celebrations throughout the country. But it’s in Antigua that they are at their most divine. In the beautiful colonial city, during the Easter season, the locals make superb multicolored carpets from sawdust, fresh flowers and even fruit.
Flying clay pots, Greece
A tradition that dates back to the 16th century. On Easter Saturday, at precisely 11 a.m., the inhabitants of the Greek island of Corfu throw clay pots from their balconies. The menu includes eggs and lamb, as well as tripe soup in which the heart and lungs of the Easter lamb are cooked. Tables are adorned with “Tsoureki”, a beautiful braided brioche often garnished with hard-boiled eggs whose shells are painted red. Greek Easter is particularly important, with processions that are sometimes monumental, as in the town of Corfu, which welcomes more tourists, many of them Greek, than during the busier months of August.
Water battles, Poland
Poles celebrate Smigus Dyngus (Wet Monday), the water festivities taking place on Easter Monday. The event echoes the baptism of a former ruler, and thus the country’s conversion to Catholicism. As water is a symbol of life, friends and family take to the water to purify themselves.
The devils of El Salvador
In El Salvador, Easter is celebrated according to traditions inherited from both Christianity and indigenous rites. Men dressed as devils, known as “Talcigüines”, roam the streets of the cities, whipping those who wish to take part in the event. Behind this celebration lies a simple meaning: that of the struggle between good and evil, between Jesus and the Devil. At the end of the ritual, the devils fall to the ground, surrendering to Jesus. It is customary for them to remain on the ground for long periods, under the midday sun…
Pretzels and the Lovers’ Egg, Luxembourg
Luxembourgers celebrate Pretzel Sunday, or Bretzelsonnden, on the third Sunday of Lent. According to Easter tradition, on Pretzel Sunday, a man offers this pastry to the woman of his choice. If she accepts, the man can visit her on Easter Day to receive an egg in return.
Swedish Easter or Halloween?
In Sweden, children dress up as witches. They paint their faces, carry broomsticks and go knocking on neighbors’ doors to fill their bags with candy and chocolates, just like American children do for Halloween.
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