Easter is one of Europe’s most important and widely celebrated holidays. It is filled with deeply rooted religious traditions, colorful processions, and festive feasts, each country adding a unique touch to the celebrations. 

Whether you're drawn to the beauty of candlelit processions or the lively atmosphere of street festivals, these Easter traditions offer a fascinating glimpse into Europe's diverse cultures. 

Spain – Semana Santa

• Semana Santa (Holy Week): The most famous Easter celebration, particularly in Seville, Málaga, and Valladolid.

• Religious Processions: Large parades with elaborately decorated floats depicting scenes from Christ’s Passion.

• Penitents in Traditional Robes: Hooded figures (Nazarenos) walk solemnly through the streets, carrying crosses or candles.

• Atmosphere: Streets glow with candlelight, accompanied by sorrowful music and deep religious devotion.

Italy – Sacred Rituals

• Rome & Vatican City: The Pope leads an Easter Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, attended by thousands of pilgrims.

• Florence’s Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the Cart): A centuries-old tradition where a cart filled with fireworks is ignited to ensure a good harvest.

• Easter Feasts: Traditional dishes include Colomba di Pasqua (dove-shaped Easter cake) and roast lamb.

Greece  – Orthodox Celebrations

• Greek Orthodox Easter: Often celebrated separately from Catholic Easter due to different religious calendars.

• Midnight Church Services: On Holy Saturday, at midnight, people light candles from the Holy Fire, symbolizing the resurrection.

• Fireworks & Festive Feasts: The end of Lent is marked with a grand meal, including roast lamb, red-dyed eggs, and tsoureki (sweet bread).

• Corfu’s Pot Throwing: On Holy Saturday, locals throw clay pots from balconies to “welcome spring.”

Poland  – A Family-Oriented Easter

• Blessing of the Baskets (Święconka): Families take baskets filled with food to church for blessings on Holy Saturday.

• Wet Monday (Śmigus-Dyngus): A playful Easter Monday tradition where people splash each other with water.

• Easter Breakfast: A festive spread featuring żurek (sour rye soup), kielbasa (sausage), and babka (sweet cake).

Germany – Festive Markets

• Easter Markets: Cities like Nuremberg and Dresden host markets selling Easter crafts, chocolates, and seasonal treats.

• Osterfeuer (Easter Fire): Large bonfires are lit, especially in northern Germany, to symbolize the end of winter.

• Easter Egg Trees: People decorate trees with colorful eggs, with Saalfeld’s famous tree boasting thousands of hanging eggs.

France – Bells and Chocolate

• Church Bells Tradition: Bells remain silent from Good Friday to Easter Sunday, symbolizing mourning, before ringing joyfully.

• Haux’s Giant Omelet: On Easter Monday, the town of Haux prepares an omelet big enough to feed over 1,000 people.

• Sweet Treats: Chocolate eggs, bunnies, and lamb-shaped pastries are popular.

United Kingdom – Folklore

• Egg Rolling: A quirky tradition where people roll eggs down hills (most famously in Preston, England).

• Morris Dancing: Traditional folk dances performed in villages, often featuring colorful costumes and lively music.

• Easter Treats: Easter egg hunts and hot cross buns (spiced sweet buns with a cross) are classic favorites.

Portugal – Easter Bread

• Compasso: A priest visits homes, blessing them with a cross to bring good fortune.

• Easter Processions: The city of Braga hosts one of the grandest and most elaborate processions in Portugal.

• Traditional Easter Foods: Folar de Páscoa (sweet bread with eggs) and roast lamb are widely enjoyed.

Easter in Europe is more than just a religious observance—it’s a time of grand celebrations, heartfelt traditions, and cherished moments with family and friends. Each country has a way of marking this important holiday. No matter where you find yourself in Europe during Easter, you’ll experience a blend of history, faith, and festivity shared throughout.