17 Easter Traditions Around the Globe

Celebrating Easter Across the Continents

Easter is a time of great spiritual significance for millions of people around the world. From solemn religious ceremonies to colorful festive parades, Easter traditions vary significantly from place to place, offering a unique window into local cultures and customs.

Whether you are a devout believer or simply interested in exploring different cultures, Easter can be a fascinating and enriching time to travel. 

Here are Easter traditions across continents:

1. Vatican City, Italy: Vatican City is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and home to many significant religious sites, such as St. Peter’s Basilica, which hosts the Papal Mass on Easter Sunday. The city is also known for its stunning artwork, architecture, and rich history, making it a perfect destination for a spiritual Easter experience.
2. Jerusalem, Israel: Jerusalem is considered the holiest city in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and it is also where the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection took place. Visitors can participate in processions and reenactments of the Passion and attend Easter Sunday services at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. On this site, Jesus was buried and resurrected.
3. Seville, Spain: Seville is known for its elaborate and colorful Easter processions involving thousands of people carrying ornate floats through the streets. These processions have been a tradition in Seville for over 400 years and are a beautiful and moving expression of faith.
4. Antigua, Guatemala: Antigua is a colonial city in Central America known for its stunning architecture. It is also home to one of the most significant Easter celebrations in the world. The city’s Holy Week processions, with intricate floats, elaborate costumes, and a somber yet festive atmosphere, are a sight to behold.
5. Lourdes, France: Lourdes is a small town in the Pyrenees region of France that has been a pilgrimage site for Catholics for over a century. The city is believed to be the site of numerous apparitions of the Virgin Mary, and visitors come from all over the world to visit the Grotto of Massabielle, where the apparitions took place.
6. Qoyllur Rit’i, Peru: Qoyllur Rit’i is a festival in the Andes mountains of Peru and combines traditional Incan beliefs with Catholicism. The festival is known for its colorful processions, traditional music, snow-capped peaks, and stunning scenery of the Andes.
7. Rome, Italy: Rome is one of the world’s most important Christian pilgrimage sites, and Easter is an extraordinary time to visit. Visitors can attend the Pope’s Mass at St. Peter’s Square, participate in the Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum, and explore the many beautiful churches and basilicas that dot the city.
8. Cusco, Peru: Cusco is a beautiful city in the Andes mountains that was once the capital of the Inca Empire. During Easter week, the city comes alive with processions and religious ceremonies that blend traditional Andean beliefs with Catholicism. Visitors can also explore the city’s rich history, ancient ruins, and stunning natural scenery.
9. Krakow, Poland: Krakow is a beautiful and historic city in southern Poland known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture. During Easter, the town comes alive with processions, masses, and traditional rituals that reflect Poland’s strong Catholic traditions.
10. Dubrovnik, Croatia: Dubrovnik is a picturesque coastal city in southern Croatia known for its medieval walls, historic buildings, and stunning natural scenery. During Easter, the city hosts processions, masses, and traditional rituals deeply rooted in the region’s Catholic heritage.
11. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Addis Ababa is the capital city of Ethiopia and is home to one of the world’s oldest Christian traditions, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. During Easter week, visitors can attend colorful processions and religious ceremonies that showcase the unique blend of African and Christian traditions that define Ethiopian Orthodox worship.
12. Mexico City, Mexico: Mexico City is a vibrant and bustling metropolis home to many beautiful churches and religious sites. During Holy Week, the city hosts processions, masses, and traditional rituals that reflect Mexico’s tangible Catholic heritage and unique cultural identity.
13. Salzburg, Austria: Salzburg is a beautiful city in Austria that is known for its Baroque architecture, historic landmarks, and rich cultural heritage. During Holy Week, the city hosts processions, concerts, and traditional rituals that reflect its strong Catholic traditions.
14. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Rio de Janeiro is known for its vibrant Carnival celebrations, but it also hosts one of the largest Easter celebrations in the world. The city’s Holy Week events include processions, masses, and traditional rituals deeply rooted in Brazil’s Catholic heritage.
15. Santorini, Greece: Santorini is a stunning Greek island known for its whitewashed buildings, turquoise waters, and beautiful sunsets. During Holy Week, the island hosts processions, services, and traditional rituals that reflect the country’s rich Orthodox Christian traditions.
16. Zagreb, Croatia: Zagreb is the capital of Croatia and is known for its beautiful architecture, museums, and art galleries. During Holy Week, the city hosts processions, concerts, and traditional rituals that reflect its strong Catholic heritage.
17. New Orleans, Louisiana, USA: New Orleans is known for its lively Mardi Gras celebrations. It also hosts a unique and festive Easter parade called the “Chris Owens French Quarter Parade.” The event includes marching bands, colorful floats, and joyous revelry.

Did you know?

Malta is also a great place to celebrate Easter, and its traditional religious events are some of the most popular in Europe. The Maltese people are predominantly Roman Catholic, and their Easter celebrations are a mix of solemn and festive occasions.

A little history:

Some popular events and traditions during Holy Week in Malta include the procession of the dead Christ on Good Friday, the risen Christ on Easter Sunday, and the spectacula

r fireworks displays that light up the sky during the celebrations.

In addition to the religious events, Malta also boasts beautiful churches and stunning Mediterranean scenery, making it an ideal destination for a meaningful and enjoyable Easter vacation.