Easter in Europe is not just about church services and family dinners. In different countries, the holiday is accompanied by colorful processions, ancient rituals, large fairs, and even unusual festivals. Find out more about where in Europe you can see the most interesting Easter traditions

Easter is one of the most important Christian holidays in Europe. In most countries, it is celebrated in the spring and combines religious traditions, folk rituals and family celebrations. However, each country has its own customs that make this holiday special and very colorful.

Some cities hold large-scale religious processions, while others light huge bonfires or organize folk festivals. Such traditions often have a long history and attract thousands of tourists from all over the world.

If you are planning a spring trip, Easter can be a great opportunity to see Europe from a new perspective. We're going to tell you which countries turn Easter celebrations into a real cultural event.

In the previous article, we talked about the most beautiful Easter fairs in Europe in 2026.

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Poland: colored palm trees and Watered Monday

In Poland, Easter, which is known as Wielkanoc, is one of the most important holidays of the year. Preparations for it begin a few weeks in advance: Easter fairs open in cities, and the main religious events start on Palm Sunday (Niedziela Palmowa). On this day, people bring to churches not willow branches, but decorative “palms” - compositions of grass, flowers, and ribbons.

On Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, services are held in churches, and believers observe a fast. On Friday, the symbolic “Holy Sepulchre” (Grób Pański) is installed in the churches and visited until Easter. One of the most famous Polish traditions is the blessing of Easter baskets (Święconka) on the Saturday before the holiday. The basket is filled with eggs, sausage, bread, salt, horseradish, and butter in the shape of a lamb - baranek.

On Easter Sunday, families gather for a festive breakfast after the morning service. Blessed food from the basket is usually the first thing on the table. It is the family atmosphere and the shared meal that is an important part of Polish Easter traditions.

The celebration continues the next day, on Watering Monday (Śmigus-Dyngus). On this day, people pour water on each other, often with water guns or buckets. In some villages, old customs have also been preserved, such as the tradition of “walking with a Turk,” when a man wearing an ancient helmet symbolically guards the “Holy Sepulcher.”

Spain: large-scale Easter processions Semana Santa

In Spain, Easter is celebrated very solemnly, and the main events take place during Semana Santa, the Holy Week. During this period, large religious processions are held in many cities of the country, which annually gather thousands of locals and tourists. The most famous celebrations can be seen in Seville, Málaga, Valladolid, and Granada.

During the processions, large pasos platforms with religious sculptures depicting scenes from the Bible are carried through the streets. These platforms can weigh several tons and are carried by dozens of people. In front of them are members of brotherhoods wearing long robes and high conical hoods, called nazarenos.

The processions are accompanied by brass music, drums, and singing. In some cities, they last for several hours and even take place at night, creating a special atmosphere. For many Spaniards, this is not only a religious event but also an important cultural tradition that is passed down from generation to generation.

That's why Easter in Spain is considered one of the most colorful holidays in Europe. During this period, cities turn into large stages for historical processions that allow you to see the ancient traditions and atmosphere of Spanish culture.

In the previous article, we talked about the date of the holiday, the Easter calendar, the Lenten period, the traditions of celebration and the significance of Easter in the world.

Italy: ancient processions and a trolley explosion in Florence

In Italy, Easter, or Pasqua, is one of the most important religious holidays of the year. Many cities hold solemn services, historical processions, and public celebrations. Easter is celebrated on a particularly large scale in Rome, Florence, Naples, and Sicily.

One of the country's most famous Easter traditions is the Scoppio del Carro, or “cart explosion,” which takes place in Florence every year. A large decorative cart filled with fireworks is set up in front of the cathedral. During the festive mass, a special mechanism is launched to set fire to the fireworks, and the cart explodes with a bright salute.

This tradition has a long history and dates back to the 11th century. It is believed that the successful launch of fireworks symbolizes good luck, a good harvest and prosperity for the city for the whole year.

In addition, in many regions of Italy, historical processions are held with participants in medieval costumes, and families gather together for a festive dinner. Traditionally, Easter sweets appear on the table, including the popular Colomba di Pasqua pigeon-shaped cake.

Greece: the night of a thousand candles and red Easter eggs

In Greece, Easter is the most important religious holiday of the year and is celebrated in a particularly solemn way. The main events take place on the night of Saturday to Sunday, when Orthodox churches hold a festive service dedicated to the Resurrection of Christ.

At midnight, the priest announces the resurrection, after which people light candles from one another. At this point, the squares in front of churches are lit with thousands of lights, and fireworks are set off in many cities. People try to take the lit candle home to bring the symbolic “holy fire” into their homes.

Another well-known Greek tradition is dyeing eggs red, which symbolizes life and rebirth. During a festive dinner, relatives organize a game where they hit eggs against each other. It is believed that the one whose egg remains intact will have good luck throughout the year.

In some regions, unusual rituals have also been preserved. For example, on the island of Corfu, on Easter Saturday, residents throw clay pots from their balconies to symbolize the beginning of a new life and renewal. This spectacular celebration attracts many tourists every year.

Germany: Easter bonfires and festive fairs

In Germany, Easter, or Ostern, combines Christian traditions and ancient folk customs. In many towns and villages, the celebration begins a few days before the holiday: Easter fairs open in the squares, selling holiday sweets, decor and traditional souvenirs.

One of the most famous German traditions is Easter bonfires - Osterfeuer. On the evening before Easter, in many regions, large bonfires are lit around which residents of cities and villages gather. This custom has a very ancient origin and symbolizes the arrival of spring, light and renewal of nature.

Another popular tradition is the search for Easter eggs, which is especially popular with children. According to legend, they are brought by the Easter bunny (Osterhase), who hides colored eggs and sweets in gardens or parks. Many cities even organize special holiday quests for children.

On Easter Sunday, families gather around the festive table, and many Germans go for walks or visit spring fairs. Thanks to the atmosphere of folk festivals and ancient traditions, Easter in Germany often turns into a real spring festival.

To learn more about the 10 cheapest destinations in Europe for a budget Easter trip, follow the link.

France: silence of bells, chocolate traditions and Easter fairs

In France, Easter, or Pâques, combines religious rituals and ancient folk traditions. One of the most famous legends is related to church bells. From Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday, church bells do not ring. It is believed that they symbolically “fly to Rome” to mourn the death of Christ. When the bells start ringing again on Sunday, children are told that they have returned and “brought” sweets with them.

That is why the tradition of searching for Easter eggs (chasse aux œufs) is popular in France. On Sunday mornings, parents hide chocolate eggs, chicken, hare, and bell figurines in gardens, parks, or even in their apartments. Children look for them in a festive game, and in many cities, large public “egg hunts” are organized, in which hundreds of families can participate.

French confectioners also prepare for the holiday in advance. On the eve of Easter, confectionery shop windows are filled with intricate chocolate figures: from small eggs to large decorative bells, chickens and rabbits. Some cities even hold chocolate fairs and exhibitions dedicated to Easter sweets.

After the festive mass, families gather for a traditional Easter dinner. One of the most common dishes is roasted lamb (gigot d'agneau) with spring vegetables, which symbolizes rebirth and new life.

Sweden: children in witch costumes and Easter sweets

In Sweden, Easter combines Christian traditions with ancient folk beliefs. One of the most famous features of the holiday is the tradition of “Easter witches” (påskkärringar), which has its roots in ancient Scandinavian legends.

According to folk beliefs, on Holy Thursday, witches allegedly flew on brooms to the mystical Mount Blokula to meet with evil spirits. Today, this story has turned into a fun children's tradition. Children dress up in witch costumes-with painted cheeks, scarves, and brooms-and go to their neighbors' houses.

The little “witches” give cards or drawings with Easter wishes, and in return they receive candy and sweets. This tradition resembles a kind of spring version of Halloween and is especially popular with children.

Houses are also decorated with birch branches with colored feathers for the holidays, and traditional dishes such as eggs, fish, various snacks and sweets appear on the table. Thanks to such unusual traditions, Easter in Sweden has a bright and very atmospheric holiday atmosphere.

Things to consider for tourists planning a trip to Europe for Easter

Easter is one of the main religious holidays in many European countries, so the usual rhythm of life changes during this period. In most countries, Easter Sunday and Monday are official holidays, and some shops, museums, and government offices may be closed or operate on a reduced schedule.

At the same time, fairs, festive services, processions, and folk festivals are held in cities on these days, attracting many tourists. Especially popular destinations for Easter are cities in Spain, Italy, Poland and Germany, where you can see ancient traditions that have been preserved for centuries.

When planning a trip, you should book accommodation and transportation in advance, as Easter weekend is considered a popular tourist period in Europe. It's also a good idea to check the opening hours of restaurants, museums, and public transportation, as they may differ from the usual ones during the holidays.

Easter is a great opportunity to see European cities in a special atmosphere: with colorful fairs, traditional festivities, and unique cultural customs that have been passed down from generation to generation.

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