Easter around the corner: how different cultures celebrate

Not all cultures celebrate Easter in the same way. Depending on the continent or even the country, the forms vary. A review of the most common traditions. The Easter egg is characteristic in many parts of the world. In New Zealand there are many stores where you will find this tasty delicacy loved by young and old.

Western Europe

In many Western European countries such as Spain, France, Italy and Germany, Easter is a major celebration that includes religious processions, dramatic reenactments of the Passion of Christ, masses and festivals. It is also customary to eat dishes typical of the season, such as Easter lamb and Easter eggs.

Eastern Europe

In countries such as Russia, Ukraine and Poland, Easter is celebrated with traditions that date back to the pre-Christian era. Orthodox Easter is celebrated with a combination of religious rites and pagan festivals, and typical dishes include Easter bread and hand-painted eggs.

North America

In the United States and Canada, Easter is celebrated with traditions that include Easter egg hunts, visits from the Easter Bunny and family meals. It is also customary to eat themed chocolates and candies.

Latin America

In many Latin American countries, Holy Week is an important celebration that includes religious processions, dramatic performances and popular festivities. In some places, such as Mexico and Guatemala, processions with religious figures take place in the streets, and altars and offerings are made to honor the dead.

Asia

In countries such as the Philippines and South Korea, Easter is celebrated by Christian communities with religious rites, processions and masses. It is also customary to eat traditional meals such as rice pudding and sweet buns.

Africa

In Africa, Easter is celebrated in Christian communities with an Easter Vigil in which hundreds of people gather in the church building from three to six o'clock in the afternoon, when it is already dark. The temple is decorated with Vitenge and Kanga, clothes made in the shape of butterflies, flowers and banana trees. Christian hymns are sung to the sound of drums and traditional dances are also celebrated, which continue in the houses with the family meal. In Africa, Holy Week has a spiritual but also a social dimension.

Australia and New Zealand

In Australia, the rabbit is considered an invasive (pest), as it is an imported species that spreads rapidly, proving a danger to native species. Therefore, it isn’t surprising that the Easter bunny is not very popular among Australians. Instead of using the symbol of the rabbit, since the 1970s they have chosen to replace it with the Bilby, which is a native marsupial that looks similar to the rabbit. In New Zealand, on the other hand, the symbol of Easter is the kiwi. In both places it is also a tradition for children to look for Easter eggs in gardens.

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