Easter Traditions Around the World to Share with Your Family

Easter is more than just chocolate eggs and colorful baskets—it’s a vibrant celebration of renewal, hope, and togetherness celebrated in diverse ways across the globe. Whether you're a parent looking to add something new to your family traditions or simply love learning about culture, these Easter customs from around the world might just inspire your next holiday celebration.

🇮🇹 Italy – "La Pasqua" with Sweet Bread & Festivals

In Italy, Easter is a deeply religious holiday celebrated with grand processions and festive meals. A family favorite is Colomba di Pasqua, a dove-shaped sweet bread symbolizing peace. In Florence, the tradition of Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the Cart) involves a centuries-old cart bursting with fireworks—believed to ensure a good harvest and peace for the year ahead.

Family idea: Bake your own Easter bread together and share what peace means to each of you.

🇵🇭 Philippines – Sunrise Mass and Easter Dance

In the Philippines, Easter Sunday begins with a moving Salubong—a pre-dawn reenactment of the Virgin Mary meeting the risen Christ. Families attend mass and take part in joyful dancing and community meals. It’s a beautiful blend of faith and festivity.

Family idea: Wake up early for your own sunrise breakfast and reflect on new beginnings together.

🇸🇪 Sweden – Easter Witches and Painted Feathers

In Sweden, children dress up as “Easter witches” with colorful scarves and face paint, going door-to-door exchanging drawings for candy—much like Halloween! Homes are decorated with birch twigs and feathers in bright spring colors.

Family idea: Have a DIY craft day with feather branches and let the kids paint their “Easter witch” look.

🇬🇷 Greece – Midnight Fireworks and Red Eggs

Greek Easter (Pascha) is the biggest religious holiday of the year. Families attend midnight church service on Saturday and celebrate with fireworks. Red-dyed eggs symbolize the blood of Christ and are used in a cracking game called tsougrisma to see who has the strongest egg!

Family idea: Try red egg dyeing and have a family egg battle at breakfast!

Australia – Bilby Instead of Bunny

In Australia, the native bilby (an endangered marsupial) has replaced the Easter Bunny as a symbol of conservation. Australian families support the cause by gifting chocolate bilbies and raising awareness about native wildlife.

Family idea: Share Easter chocolate and talk about one way you can protect the planet together.

Bringing the World Into Your Home

Easter is the perfect time to teach your family about diversity, togetherness, and how joy is celebrated across cultures. By incorporating a tradition or two into your own holiday, you’ll create richer, more meaningful memories—while expanding your kids’ view of the world.

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