As winter fades and spring emerges, Easter celebrations bloom across the globe with rich cultural expressions that go far beyond chocolate bunnies and egg hunts. From thunderous drum processions to elegant flower carpets, traditional ceremonies offer travellers unique windows into local heritage, faith and community spirit. Whether you’re planning your next cultural immersion or simply dreaming of future journeys, these remarkable Easter traditions showcase how communities worldwide transform this important Christian holiday commemorating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ into unforgettable spectacles that combine spiritual devotion with centuries of distinctive local customs.

Semana Santa in Spain features dramatic processions that wind through ancient streets

Spain’s Holy Week celebrations peak during Semana Santa, particularly in Andalusian cities like Seville and Málaga. Nazarenos in distinctive pointed hoods and robes carry ornate floats depicting biblical scenes through narrow cobblestone streets. The air fills with the haunting notes of saetas (spontaneous flamenco laments) and the heavy scent of incense. The processions begin at dusk and continue late into the night, creating an atmosphere of solemn beauty illuminated by hundreds of flickering candles. For the authentic experience, book accommodations in the historic centre months in advance to witness these processions from your balcony, as they’ve been performed almost unchanged since the 16th century.

Antigua, Guatemala transforms its streets with elaborate carpets of coloured sawdust

During Holy Week, the colonial city of Antigua, Guatemala erupts in artistic splendour as locals create elaborate alfombras (carpets) from dyed sawdust, flowers, fruits and vegetables along procession routes. These intricate temporary masterpieces, often stretching for blocks, depict religious imagery, Mayan symbols and vibrant geometric patterns, requiring all-night community efforts to complete. The breathtaking carpets are ceremoniously walked upon by purple-robed participants carrying massive wooden floats through the city’s cobblestone streets. The contrast of Guatemala’s ever-present volcanoes looming in the background against the colonial architecture creates a dramatic setting for this colourful tradition. Consider staying at one of the boutique hotels converted from historical buildings to fully immerse yourself in this UNESCO-recognized cultural experience.

Finnish children dress as Easter witches and go door-to-door reciting blessings

In Finland, Easter merges Christian traditions with old pagan customs in the delightful practice of “virpominen.” Children dress as witches or wizards, decorating willow branches with colourful feathers and crepe paper before going door-to-door reciting traditional rhymes that bless households for the coming year. In exchange, they receive chocolate eggs or small coins. This charming tradition stems from an old belief that witches flew to Blåkulla on Maundy Thursday, and the decorated branches were used to drive away evil spirits. The best place to experience this uniquely Finnish custom is in smaller towns and villages across the country, where traditional Easter markets also showcase handcrafted decorations and locally produced treats like mämmi, a traditional rye pudding.

Corfu’s Easter celebration involves the dramatic smashing of red clay pots

On Holy Saturday morning, the Greek island of Corfu awakens to the thunderous sound of thousands of clay pots being hurled from balconies and windows throughout the Old Town. This spectacular tradition called “botides” sees residents filling clay pots with water and dropping them into the streets below, creating a cacophony that symbolizes the breaking of old and evil to welcome spring and Christ’s resurrection. The red pottery fragments are considered good luck charms, and visitors scramble to collect pieces as souvenirs. The celebration continues with a candlelit procession through the Venetian-influenced streets, brass bands playing funeral marches and a midnight fireworks display. Book a room with a balcony overlooking Spianada Square for the best views of this energetic tradition that exemplifies the island’s distinctive cultural blend.

Residents of Taxco perform solemn penitential rituals of profound intensity

In the silver mining town of Taxco, nestled among the mountains of southwestern Mexico, Holy Week takes on a particularly solemn character with the processions of the Encruzados (the Crossed Ones). Hooded penitents wearing heavy crowns of thorns carry massive bundles of thorny branches on their shoulders while their feet drag chains through the steep cobblestone streets. This profoundly moving display of spiritual devotion dates back to the 16th century and attracts thousands of visitors to witness the Thursday and Friday night processions. The dramatic rituals unfold against the backdrop of Taxco’s stunning whitewashed buildings and baroque Santa Prisca church, creating an atmosphere of medieval intensity. Stay in one of the town’s boutique hotels converted from colonial mansions for the most atmospheric experience.

Polish families create intricate hand-painted Easter eggs called pisanki

In Poland, the creation of pisanki (decorated Easter eggs) represents one of the country’s most cherished and ancient traditions, dating back to at least the 10th century. Families gather to transform ordinary eggs into miniature works of art using techniques including batik-like wax resist methods, scratch techniques and appliqué with coloured paper or fabric. The most elaborate examples feature geometric patterns, floral motifs and symbolic designs passed down through generations. Villages in southeastern Poland, particularly in the Subcarpathian region, maintain workshops where visitors can learn traditional techniques from local artisans. The painted eggs become central pieces in święconka (blessing baskets) taken to church on Holy Saturday, containing bread, salt, horseradish and other symbolic foods that will be shared during Easter breakfast with family members.

Florence celebrates Easter with an explosive cart ceremony dating back 900 years

The Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the Cart) transforms Florence’s Piazza del Duomo each Easter Sunday with a tradition blending religious devotion and medieval pageantry. A massive ornate wooden cart, pulled by white oxen adorned with garlands, is positioned between the Baptistery and Cathedral before being ignited in a controlled explosion of fireworks triggered by a mechanical dove (the “Colombina”) that flies along a wire from the cathedral altar. This spectacle, dating back to the First Crusade in the 11th century, symbolizes distributing the holy fire among the people and predicts a good harvest and prosperous year. The booming pyrotechnic display against the background of Brunelleschi’s magnificent dome creates an unforgettable cultural experience. Book a hotel room overlooking the piazza months in advance for prime viewing of this unique Florentine tradition.

Swedish Easter blends religious customs with festive celebrations resembling Halloween

Sweden’s unique Easter traditions transform the holiday with distinctly Nordic elements that might surprise visitors. Children dress as Easter witches (påskkärringar) with painted rosy cheeks, headscarves and broomsticks, going door-to-door trading handmade cards for treats. The custom stems from old folklore about witches flying to “Blåkulla” (Blue Mountain) to dance with the devil during Holy Week. Homes and streets burst with yellow and green decorations, particularly birch branches adorned with colourful feathers, while painted wooden Easter hens and decorative birch twigs fill markets nationwide. The celebration culminates in a substantial Easter smörgåsbord featuring pickled herring, salmon, potatoes and the special påskmust drink. The picturesque coastal town of Fjällbacka in western Sweden offers particularly charming traditional celebrations against a stunning archipelago backdrop.

Brazilian Easter combines Catholic traditions with vibrant cultural celebrations

Brazil transforms Easter into a weeklong celebration blending profound religious observance with the country’s characteristic exuberance. The historic mining town of Ouro Preto in Minas Gerais hosts perhaps the most spectacular Holy Week festivities, where streets are carpeted with intricate designs made from coloured sawdust, flowers and coffee grounds. Processions wind through the town’s baroque architecture while locals dress in period costumes from the colonial era. In contrast to solemn daytime ceremonies, evenings bring lively community gatherings with music, dance and festive meals featuring special Easter delicacies like bacalhau (salt cod), symbolic breads and chocolate eggs that often reach impressive proportions. Stay in one of the town’s charming pousadas (guesthouses) in converted colonial buildings to be centrally located for all the festivities.

Ethiopian Orthodox Easter features distinctive traditions and a 55-day fasting period

Known as Fasika, Ethiopian Orthodox Easter follows the ancient Julian calendar and involves one of the world’s longest fasting periods—55 days without animal products. The celebration culminates in spectacular all-night church services where worshippers dress in traditional white shammas (cotton shawls) and circle church buildings three times, holding candles that symbolically announce Christ’s resurrection. The ceremony in Lalibela, with its 12th-century rock-hewn churches, provides particularly moving visuals as thousands of pilgrims gather in the predawn darkness. Following these solemn observations comes joyous feasting that breaks the long fast with doro wat (spicy chicken stew), injera bread and tej (honey wine). Visitors should arrange specialized tour guides who can provide cultural context and facilitate respectful participation in ceremonies that have remained largely unchanged for over 1,500 years.