Do you fancy doing something a bit different this Easter? Try out these unusual worldwide traditions to add some culture and history to your Easter activities. Although painting eggs and eating chocolate is fun, it’s nice to spice up the lockdown holidays with some new activities. Besides, we probably won’t have the full family around to keep the kids entertained this year.
Keep the kids engaged throughout the Easter holiday with these international traditions.
Eat green like Germany
The chocolate and sugar-based activities are tasty, but they can get a bit much by Easter Sunday. Save your easter sweets for later in the holiday and start Easter Thursday with a green meal. It is tradition to eat green on Maundy Thursday with a herby salad and green soup in Germany.
Get soaked in Poland
If a heatwave hits this Easter bank holiday, you could draw inspiration from the Polish tradition of a water fight. Young children are allowed to soak whoever they please with buckets and water balloons on Easter. Historically, water tradition refers to fertility rituals. But now – it’s an excuse to have fun in the sun and burn off that sugar-induced energy rush.
Baking in Spain
Spain celebrates Easter with a Mona de Pascua, which is doughnut-shaped and topped with boiled eggs. Traditionally, many Catholics give up eggs for lent and save them for this cake; however, you could replicate this delicious dish with chocolate Easter eggs for a British take on the Spanish tradition.
Go red for Greece
Greek locals dye their eggs red on Maundy Thursday to symbolise the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. But it’s not all doom and gloom – they also enjoy egg hitting games. The kids take turns hitting each other’s eggs, and the one which doesn’t crack wins. Try this game with your kids for a fun twist on Easter egg activities!
Fire in Croatia
Easter bonfires are a tradition in Croatia. Celebrate the season, sing songs, sit around the fire and enjoy the festive activities. Why not light a fire pit in your garden on Easter and sit around it with your family? The fire will keep you outside for some fresh air and add a little adventure to your bank holiday!
Cheese in Italy
As the holy pinnacle of the world, Italy is all about celebrating Christ at Easter. But, they also incorporate another national tradition – cheese!
Some Italian villages play Ruzzolone, whereby they roll a wheel of cheese around the village walls. The aim is to roll the cheese around the wall in the fewest strokes, and the winner gets to eat the cheese.
