How do different countries and cultures celebrate Easter?

If you have never celebrated Easter in another country or with friends from another culture, you may be surprised to learn that the eggs, chocolate candy, and colorful iced sugar cookies we enjoy at Easter are not the norm for every person. This traditionally Christian holiday is celebrated in many different ways by people all over the world. Continue reading to hear about the Easter traditions others have learned about and experienced abroad and in their own homes.

Symbolizes the celebration of new life

Easter is a religious holiday that symbolizes the celebration of new life. Different cultures and countries around the world have their own take on this harmonious occasion. Here are some of those variations.

America

Easter is celebrated differently across American cultures. During Easter Sunday, the churches in New York City are decorated with themed flowers. The main attraction, however, is the Easter parade on Fifth Avenue. It starts from 49th street [and makes its way] to 57th street. Throngs of people from all walks of life, covered in Easter bonnets join in this annual spectacle.

Italy

On Easter Sunday, Florence is lit up by the Scoppio del Carro or better known as the Cart’s Explosion. Dancers and people in costumes guide the wagon through the city square where an Archbishop sets the Colombina on fire. Colombina is a rocket that’s shaped like a dove. The rocket then goes through a wire and into the cart, and the elaborate firework displays commence.

Bermuda

During Easter, Bermudans hold a kite festival at Horseshoe Bay Beach. The flying of thousands of kites at the beach symbolizes Jesus Christ’s ascent towards the heavens. Fish cakes make up a majority of the meals eaten during this holiday.

Germany

During Easter, the Germans [participate in] Ostereierbaum, which is a custom of decorating trees with embellished easter eggs. On this holiday, Easter Egg Trees are also found in Czech Republic, Ukraine, Austria, Monrovia, Poland, and Hungary.

There are many other unique Easter customs worldwide, and they are usually accompanied by feasts that bring neighbors together to mark the celebration of a new life. This year might be different because of social distancing rules. Still, people will find distinctive ways to make it a memorable occasion.

Parades and mandalas in Antigua, Guatemala

I’ve been to several countries during Easter celebrations. I was amazed by how the citizens of Antigua, Guatemala, celebrate Easter.

For Good Friday, their parades involve enormous floats that require up to 100 carriers and huge amounts of black crepe paper all around the streets. What really stunned me is Alfombras. Local artisans create super-complex sand designs on the streets several days before the parades. The designs include some kinds of mandalas, floral, geometrical patterns, and even thematic illustrations. Although everything is made of dyed sand and sawdust, the lines are sharp and even.

Alfombras look great on photos when you Google them, but the real-life impression is way more powerful. People carefully go around the Alfombras and then erase these masterpieces with their feet on Good Friday. I was super-emotional doing this with the procession! The inspirational spiritual atmosphere of the Guatemalan Easter celebration is hard to express with words! It’s different from anything I’ve seen before.

Greek traditions

I grew up in a big Greek family with many Greek traditions, one of which revolves around Easter. My family celebrates Easter by roasting a whole lamb (or goat) over hot coals on a spit, which is later cut up and served for dinner. We also boil and dye eggs red to symbolize Christ’s blood. The kids play a game in which they attempt to crack each other’s egg by tapping the ends together. The egg symbolizes Christ’s tomb and the cracking represents His resurrection. No Easter is complete without either of these traditions!