Easter traditions around the world

·

While Greek Orthodox Christians don’t celebrate Easter until May 2 this year, it’s important to acknowledge the many cultures around the globe that celebrate Easter this weekend and over the coming weeks.

From parades in Mexico to an exploding cart in Florence, Italy, each country and region in the world celebrates the religious holiday in their own unique way. Here’s a look at some notable Easter traditions around the globe.

Florence, Italy

As mentioned briefly above, the Italian city of Florence celebrate Easter with a bang, quite literally. The 350-year-old Easter tradition consists of an ornate cart being packed with fireworks and led through the streets of the city by people in colourful 15th century costumes. The cart stops outside the Duomo where it is blessed by the Archbishop of Florence, who then lights a fuse during Easter mass that leads outside to the cart and sparks a lively fireworks display.

Mexico

Celebrated over the course of two weeks, the people of Mexico put on detailed reenactments of Holy Week. Mexicans have a tradition called the ‘Burning of the Judases’, in which people make giant Papier-mâché Judases and blow them up with fireworks. While these extravagant celebrations are quite common in the North-American region, Mexicans are also known to conduct quieter Easter commemorations, such as visiting 12 churches in 12 days.

Verges, Spain

You may have seen images of the ‘Dance of the Death’ and never known what it meant, or even that it is strongly linked with Easter. The tradition, however, is a representation of the life and crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is held on Good Friday every year. The Danza de la Muerte de Verges procession, as it is also called, takes place to the beat of drums and the participants wear skeleton outfits while carrying scythes, ashes and clocks.

Washington DC, USA

For over 130 years, the White House has hosted the Easter Egg Roll on its South Lawn, becoming an iconic family tradition during Easter. The event was started by President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1878, who issued an order that if any children should come to the White House to roll their Easter eggs, they would be allowed to do so. People may also remember this tradition from the popular Nicholas Cage film ‘National Treasure: Book of Secrets’.

Australia and the United Kingdom

Pancake Day, also known as Shrove Tuesday on the Easter calendar, has become a memorable tradition both in the United Kingdom and in Australia. It is the traditional feast day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Shrove Tuesday is the last opportunity to use up eggs and fats before embarking on the Lenten fast. So, during old English times, pancakes were made as the perfect way of using up each of these ingredients.

Sourced By: Women’s Day

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Coalition pledges $2 million to upgrade Heidelberg United Alexander FC facilities

The Coalition has recently announced a $2 million funding commitment to Heidelberg United Alexander Football Club.

HACCI National Federation holds online event on Greek-Australian trade relations

HACCI National Federation marked a milestone with its inaugural online event ‘Bridging Markets: Greece-Australia Trade Insights’ on March 20.

Genocide mentioned in Victorian Parliament

The movement for the recognition of the Genocide of the Armenians, Assyrians and Greeks has gained momentum in Victorian Parliament this week.

Evzones to lead ANZAC tributes and cultural celebrations in Adelaide and Sydney

The Evzones will visit Australia from 23 April to 4 May 2025, participating in Anzac Day and a series of cultural events.

Consent education safe as Chanel Contos responds to Dutton’s ‘indoctrination’ pledge

Peter Dutton has pledged a Coalition government would review the national school curriculum to eliminate “indoctrination.”

You May Also Like

Former President of Greece Christos Sartzetakis laid to rest in Athens

The funeral of former Greek president Christos Sartzetakis was held in Athens on Monday.

Director Jason Raftopoulos takes people beneath the surface of ‘Voices in Deep’

Voices in deep, the second feature film by the director and writer Jason Raftopoulos, was shown on Friday at Palace Cinema Como in Melbourne.

Greece’s PM reveals key developments aiming to enhance lives of Greeks abroad

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis highlighted a series of ground breaking initiatives to improve the daily lives of Greeks abroad.