Chocolate eggs, pastel bonnets, and fluffy bunnies are wonderful Easter customs that guarantee waves of laughter and immense thrill for the little ones (parents included). A whole world of fun, quirky, and meaningful customs awaits to be explored at a time of renewal, joy, and community.
Let the egg-citement begin with diverse Easter customs to try from around the globe!
Each country takes a different yet wholesome approach to Easter. We’ve rounded up ten exciting, kid-friendly Easter customs. Who knows, you might even be able to incorporate a little international flair into your own home and create lasting memories with your family. Remember, the world is full of inspiration!
Bermuda - Easter kite flying
Good Friday means vivid homemade kites filling the sky. This charming tradition illustrates Jesus’ ascension to heaven and is as mesmerising as it is symbolic. Could this be your new tradition? Certainly! Craft your very own kites and let them soar in the delightful breeze. This a fun and artistic way to celebrate renewal and the joy of the season!
France - Giant Easter omelette
Easter Sunday in the charming town of Bessières, France features an enormous omelette, made with thousands of eggs. Legend has it that Napoleon himself ordered this feast to feed his army! Bring a taste of France to your table by whipping up a tantalising, oversized omelette of your own. Choose your favourite toppings and savour the joy of cooking and feasting together.
Germany - Easter bonfires
Easter in Germany is commemorated with massive bonfires, traditionally lit to represent the victory of light over darkness. The fires create a warm, communal atmosphere where families gather to sing, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company. Create your own cosy celebration by lighting a bonfire (or a fire pit) with your family, roasting marshmallows, and sharing tales and songs. Not feeling an open flame? Candlelit gatherings work wonders too for a peaceful and intimate experience.
Greece - Easter egg tapping
Easter Sunday is kicked off with a thrilling game of Tsougrisma (egg tapping) in Greece. The goal is simple yet exhilarating: tap your hard-boiled egg against someone else’s to crack theirs while keeping yours intact. The last uncracked egg reigns supreme! You can host your own egg-tapping contest by gathering the family, hard-boil those eggs, and taking turns in this competitive match. Who will be the ultimate egg champion?
Italy - Easter candles
Easter is marked by the lighting of the Paschal Candle in Italy, depicting the light of Christ. This sacred tradition illuminates the Easter story and reminds families of the triumph of life over death. Craft your own Paschal Candle. Decorate it with ribbons, symbols, and colours that represent Easter, and light it together during meals or family gatherings, embracing the light and joy of the season.
Poland - Easter water fights
Easter Monday, or “Wet Monday,” is a day for playful water fights! This tradition from Poland represents cleansing and renewal, and everyone participates in dousing each other with water. How about hosting your own water fight? Fill up the water balloons and buckets, and grab the squirt guns to celebrate the season of renewal with plenty of laughter and a good splash!
Sweden - Easter witches
The Easter spirit kicks off on Maundy Thursday with the whimsical tradition of Easter witches in Sweden. Much like Halloween, children dress up as witches and roam the streets, visiting neighbours and trading their homemade drawings and cards for Easter goodies. You can bring this enchanting tradition to life by letting your little ones dress up as Easter witches (or any festive illustration of their choice) and create vivid drawings to share with neighbours or loved ones. It’s a fun way to spread Easter cheer and connect with the community!
U.K. - Hot cross buns
Hot Cross Buns are a quintessential treat in the UK, traditionally eaten on Good Friday to commemorate the Crucifixion. These sweet, spiced buns, adorned with a cross, are the ultimate Easter indulgence. So, why not bake these fragrant buns with your kids? Not only will you create something mouthwatering, but you’ll also have the perfect moment to talk about the symbolism of the cross and enjoy a tasty treat together.
Ukraine - Pysanka Easter eggs
The art of Pysanka is a revered Easter tradition in Ukraine. These eggs are intricately decorated using a wax-resist technique, resulting in captivating designs and patterns that carry deep emblems. You can get creative with Pysanka at home by using crayons or candles to create intricate designs on boiled eggs. Dye them in vibrant hues, and watch your beautiful creations come to life.
U.S. - Easter egg roll
The famous Easter Egg Roll has been a staple of American tradition since 1878, with children racing to roll hard-boiled eggs down a hill using spoons. The first egg to make it to the finish line, unscathed, is declared the winner! Host your very own egg roll wherever there’s ample space. Get creative by decorating your eggs in fun, festive patterns and turn it into a mini science experiment by adjusting the slope and seeing how the eggs roll.