12 Easter Traditions from Around the World
Updated: Feb. 16, 2024
Bring something new to the celebration! From oranges to almonds to a squeaky clean house, you'll definitely want to try these Easter traditions from around the world.
Italy
Easter is a very important religious holiday in Italy. But unlike Christmas—which is always a family affair—at Easter, Italians most often celebrate with friends. Try your hand at this Italian Easter Bread, known as pane di pasqua, often served as part of a traditional meal.
Mexico
After Easter Sunday Mass in Mexico, congregants spill out into the plazas to eat street foods and begin Semana de Pascua, a week of family vacation time. Make chicken croquetas and churros to bring Mexican street food flavors to your Easter brunch.
Norway
Norwegians eat more than 20 million oranges on Easter weekend. The tradition is believed to have originated when oranges were only available during their late winter season. They were a harbinger of spring and brighter days to come. Perhaps you’ll choose one of these orange recipes to brighten your holiday table.
France
The French celebrate Easter with lots of chocolate! Would you expect anything else? The windows of chocolateries are filled with exquisite and intricate chocolate creations in the shape of eggs, hens and bells. You can make your own chocolate eggs at home filled with an American staple—peanut butter.
Australia
Australia celebrates Easter a little bit differently than we do in the US. There’s no Easter Bunny; instead, they have the Easter Bilby, a small, endangered rodent native to the country. But tradition prevails when it comes to hot cross buns, which show up in bakeries weeks before the holiday.
Ukraine
One of the most well-known Ukrainian Easter traditions is the painting of beautiful eggs with intricate designs known as pysanka. You may not be able to make pysanky at home, but we have some Easter egg decorating ideas for you!
Portugal
Almonds symbolize the egg, fertility and spring in Portugal. In accordance with ancient tradition, godparents give sugar-coated almonds to their godchildren at Easter. These tasty cinnamon toasted almonds would be a great way to bring the spirit of this custom into your own home.
Greece
Different parts of Greece have their own unique Easter customs, from throwing clay pots into the streets on Corfu, to having a fireworks battle on Chios Island. But no matter where they are, Greeks love lamb on Easter Sunday. Put your spin on this tradition with one of our lamb recipes.
Can’t enough of the Greek flavors? Check out these Greek Easter recipes perfect for all of your celebrations.
Germany
Prior to Lent, Germany celebrates Karneval or Fasching. Cities hold large parades, children dress up in costume and people party in the streets. On Fat Tuesday, do as the Germans do and indulge in jelly doughnuts known as Berliners, Krapfen or Pfannkuchen before the Lenten restrictions begin.
United Kingdom
In the UK, Fat Tuesday is known as Pancake Day. Pancakes are eaten to use up all the eggs and fats before Lent. They even have pancake races, with people running through the streets flipping pancakes in a skillet. We think homemade pancakes would make a fantastic Easter breakfast!
Austria
Austrians enjoy a baked ham for Easter Sunday lunch. However, it’s not the traditional honey-glazed ham you might make in the States. They bake an entire ham encased in bread dough. It’s a ready-made ham sandwich right out of the oven. Pass the mustard!
Ireland
In Ireland, it’s tradition to clean the house from top to bottom on Good Friday. This accomplishes the tasks of spring cleaning and preparing for a house full of family at the same time. Get your kitchen sparkling for Easter with these cleaning tips.
Originally Published: March 12, 2021
