Easter is a Christian holiday that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, but the way it is celebrated varies significantly from country to country. This celebration, which marks the end of Holy Week, is a time of great importance in many cultures, and each has its own unique traditions and customs.
Spain
In Spain, Holy Week is one of the most important celebrations of the year. Cities and towns throughout Spain are filled with elaborate religious processions, where religious figures are carried on litters through the streets while penitents accompany them, some even hooded. Easter is a time of reflection and devotion for Spaniards, but also of family gatherings and festive meals.
Italy
In Italy, Easter is a long-awaited holiday, especially in Rome, where the Pope celebrates Easter mass in St. Peter's Square. Italians have many culinary traditions associated with Easter, such as roast lamb and Easter cake, a cake decorated with colored eggs. They also celebrate with fireworks and religious parades.
Greece
In Greece , Orthodox Easter is celebrated in a similar way to the Western one, but with some significant differences. The week before Easter, known as Orthodox Holy Week, is filled with religious services and traditional rituals. On Easter Sunday, Greek families roast lamb on spit and enjoy it in large feasts with friends and family.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, Easter is an occasion for families to come together and enjoy traditional foods such as roast lamb and the hot cross bun, a bun with a cross on top. Children participate in the Easter egg hunt in the garden, a tradition that dates back centuries. There are also parades and religious events throughout the country.
United States
In the United States, Easter is an important Christian holiday,but it has also become a secular celebration.Many families attend church services in the morning and then enjoy a festive lunch of ham, mashed potatoes and vegetables. Children participate in the Easter egg hunt and receive baskets full of candy and toys.
Australia
In Australia, Easter is a time of holidays and outdoor family gatherings. Australians enjoy barbecues and picnics on the beach or in the park, and many also participate in Easter egg hunts. Stores are filled with chocolate and other Easter treats, and there are parades and community events across the country.
Latin America
< span style="font-weight: 400;">In countries like Mexico and others in Latin America, Easter is a colorful celebration full of traditions rooted in local culture.The processions and theatrical performances of the Passion of Christ are notable events, where the community comes together to relive the events that led to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. In addition to religious ceremonies, there are popular festivities that include music, dance and typical food, such as the famous chilies in nogada or mole poblano. Markets and squares are filled with stalls selling traditional Easter sweets, such as sugar figures and bread of the dead, while the streets are decorated with flower carpets and mats made for processions.
Asian countries
In Asian countries with a Christian minority, such as the Philippines and South Korea, Easter is also celebrated with fervor and devotion. In the Philippines, Holy Week processions are especially impressive, with dramatic reenactments of the Passion and crucifixion of Jesus. In South Korea, the Christian community gathers for special religious services and reflective activities, while families enjoy festive meals with traditional dishes and share Easter sweets. Although Easter may not be as widely celebrated as in other parts of the world, these communities find unique ways to commemorate this important Christian holiday.