More than just a day for enjoying backyard egg hunts and bingeing on chocolate bunnies and marshmallow Peeps, Easter comes to life in fun, often eccentric ways around the world. From friendly egg battles and lively water fights to kite flying and bonfire celebrations, here’s a peak into the many unique traditions that make the spring celebration so unique across various cultures.
Texas Twist
Here in Texas, Easter isn’t complete without cascarónes — hollowed-out eggs filled with confetti, just waiting to be cracked over an unsuspecting friend’s head. This tradition, brought over from Mexico, is said to bring good luck to the recipient. Whether you’re sneaking up on a cousin at a backyard barbecue or caught in a full-blown cascarón battle at a festival, this colorful tradition adds a playful (and slightly messy) touch to Easter celebrations across the Lone Star State.
Sky-High Kites
In Bermuda, Easter is a time for kite flying, with Good Friday marking the peak of the tradition. Legend has it that a local teacher once used a kite to explain Jesus’ ascension to his students, and the custom took off – literally. Each spring, beautiful, handmade kites fill the island’s skies during Easter time in a vibrant display of faith and artistry.
Egg Rolling in Scotland
In Scotland, kids don’t just decorate their Easter eggs – they also put them to the test in a rolling contest. The goal? To send a hard-boiled egg tumbling down a hill without it cracking. This practice, also common in England, symbolizes rolling away the stone from Jesus’ tomb.
Easter Whodunits
Forget the Easter bunny — Norwegians celebrate the holiday with Easter crime stories, or Påskekrim. During Easter week, bookstores are filled with detective novels, and TV stations air crime dramas. This unusual tradition dates back to a 1923 marketing stunt for a mystery novel, which became so popular that it evolved into a nationwide Easter obsession.
Water Fights
In Poland, Easter Monday is known as Śmigus-dyngus, or Wet Monday, where the streets are filled with playful water fights. Boys traditionally splash girls with water in a lighthearted tradition that symbolizes cleansing and renewal. Over time, the custom has evolved into a full-on water battle, with families and communities joining in the fun. The more water, the better the luck, making this tradition one of the most energetic and refreshing ways to celebrate Easter.
Egg Tapping: A Battle of Strength
A common Easter pastime in Greece, India, Croatia, and Romania is egg tapping, in which participants take turns tapping their hard-boiled eggs against an opponents’, and the one left uncracked is declared the winner.
This tradition isn’t just for fun – it’s a test of egg preparation and, in some places,
is believed to bring good fortune to the victor.
Colorful Explosion
In Florence, Italy, Easter Sunday kicks off with the Scoppio del Carro, or the Explosion of the Cart. During the centuries-old tradition, a decorated cart filled with fireworks is set off in a spectacular display. The tradition is said to ensure a good harvest, with the explosion symbolizing the power of the Holy Spirit. Crowds gather in the streets, eagerly awaiting the dramatic burst of color and light.
Easter Bonfires
In Germany, Easter is marked by massive Easter bonfires, a tradition that dates back centuries. Villages and towns build towering bonfires, often made from wood and brush collected over the winter. These fires are lit on Easter Sunday to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness, as well as the end of winter and arrival of spring. Communities gather around the fires, enjoying the warmth and festive atmosphere.
Easter Adventures in Georgetown
From colorful egg hunts at Local churches to shopping local treasures at an Easter-themed vendor market, there’s no shortage of springtime fun in Georgetown.
Sheraton Hotel • 1101 Woodlawn Ave
Get egg-cited for the Easter Vendor Market at noon to 5pm on April 6 at the Sheraton Austin Georgetown Hotel & Conference Center. Visitors can enjoy a colorful mix of handmade Easter gifts and baskets, home decor, sweet treats, fashion, and much more.
First United Methodist Church • 412 E 19th St
The historic church’s Gethsemane Community Garden will come alive with springtime excitement at 3pm on April 13 during its annual Community Easter Egg Hunt. Preschoolers through fifth graders can enjoy an afternoon of games, candy, and a vibrant egg-filled scavenger hunt.
Wolf Ranch Farmers Market • 1015 W. University Celebrate the magic of Easter on Saturday, April 19 at 10am at this egg-stravagant egg hunt. The market will be transformed into a wonderland with 2,000 hidden eggs for kids of all ages to find.
St. John’s Methodist Church • 311 E. University
Bring the whole family to St. John’s Methodist Church for an afternoon of Easter fun. On Saturday, April 19 from 2 to 4pm, the church’s front lawn will be filled with colorful eggs just waiting to be discovered during a festive community egg hunt.
Faith Lutheran Church • 4010 Williams Dr
Enjoy Easter worship services (6:30, 8:15, & 11 am), breakfast (9:30 am), and an egg hunt for children 2-12 (10 am) on Easter Sunday, April 20.