Easter is a time of joy, renewal, and celebration, observed in many different ways across the globe. While chocolate eggs and Easter bunnies are well-loved traditions in Australia, other countries have their own unique customs that make this holiday special. At Mt Coolum Early Learning, we love exploring different cultures and festivities to help children develop a broader understanding of the world. Let’s take a look at how Easter is celebrated in different parts of the world!
Spain: Semana Santa (Holy Week)
In Spain, Easter is a deeply religious occasion marked by Semana Santa, or Holy Week. Cities like Seville and Malaga hold elaborate processions featuring large, ornate floats depicting biblical scenes. Participants, dressed in traditional robes and hoods, walk solemnly through the streets in an impressive display of faith and devotion.
Greece: The Midnight Resurrection and Red Eggs
In Greece, Easter is the most significant religious celebration of the year. On Holy Saturday, people attend a midnight church service, and when the priest announces that “Christ has risen,” fireworks light up the sky. A popular tradition is the game of tsougrisma, where families dye eggs red and try to crack each other’s eggs as a symbol of resurrection and good fortune.
Sweden: Easter Witches and Feathered Twigs
Swedish Easter celebrations have a fun twist with children dressing up as Easter witches, wearing colourful headscarves and painting freckles on their faces. They go from house to house exchanging drawings for sweets, similar to Halloween. Families also decorate their homes with birch twigs adorned with bright feathers, a tradition symbolising the arrival of spring.
Italy: The Explosion of the Cart
In Florence, Italy, Easter Sunday is celebrated with a centuries-old tradition called Scoppio del Carro, or the “Explosion of the Cart.” A beautifully decorated cart filled with fireworks is ignited, creating a spectacular display. The tradition is believed to ensure a good harvest and prosperity for the coming year.
The United States: Egg Hunts and Parades
Easter in the U.S. is all about fun family activities, including egg hunts and parades. One of the most famous events is the White House Easter Egg Roll, where children roll eggs across the White House lawn. Many communities host colourful parades, featuring decorated floats, music, and Easter bonnets.
Brazil: Passion Plays and Chocolate Delights
In Brazil, Easter is both a solemn and festive time. Many towns reenact the Passion of Christ through theatrical performances, while others celebrate with grand feasts featuring chocolate treats. Brazilian chocolatiers create beautifully decorated Easter eggs, much like those found in Australia, making it a sweet and meaningful occasion.
How We Celebrate at Mt Coolum Early Learning
At Mt Coolum Early Learning, we embrace the joy of Easter with fun and educational activities. From Easter egg hunts to creative crafts inspired by different cultural traditions, we encourage children to learn about the diverse ways people celebrate around the world. It’s a wonderful opportunity to foster curiosity, appreciation, and inclusivity from an early age.
As we celebrate Easter, let’s take a moment to appreciate the different customs and traditions that make this holiday so special across the globe. No matter how you celebrate, Easter is a time for joy, togetherness, and renewal.
Happy Easter from all of us at Mt Coolum Early Learning!
