Everybody loves spring, right? Nice weather, longer days, more abundance of outdoor outings — and, of course, annual Easter egg hunts! Yep, the Easter bunny’s just around the corner and we can’t wait to join all the fun with our family.

But, how do other countries celebrate this time of year? Easter is a religious holiday observed in many parts of the world, and in some cases the observance is more reverent than festive. But there are plenty of places where Easter means embracing fun and quirky customs.

Want to be surprised? Then join us on this journey through some of the oddest and most unusual Easter celebrations around the world.

Eat Hot Cross Buns in New Zealand

Hot cross buns hold a special place in New Zealand’s Easter traditions. Originating from ancient pagan customs, these spiced sweet buns symbolize various aspects of Easter, including the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, with the frosting cross representing the cross. Introduced by British settlers, hot cross buns gained popularity in New Zealand, becoming a beloved Easter treat. Traditionally consumed throughout the Easter holiday, they are especially prevalent on Good Friday. In the Southern Hemisphere, where Easter coincides with the onset of autumn, these warm, fragrant buns offer comfort as the weather cools. For many New Zealanders, indulging in hot cross buns during Easter evokes nostalgia and a sense of cultural continuity.

Binge on True Crime TV in Norway

The Norse celebration of Easter encourages people to cozy up inside a cabin to read books, enjoy movies, and binge-watch TV shows about crimes and police investigations. Even milk cartons feature short detective stories when Easter comes. Um…true crime for Easter?

Apparently, it all began in 1923, when a marketing-savvy publisher decided to promote a new crime novel right on the front pages of the newspapers at Easter time. The ad created so much impact that some people thought they were reading about a true crime instead of the preview of a work of fiction. “War of the Worlds” much? Maybe, but it’s still a great story that Norwegians revisit every year, even if the actual connection to Easter is tangential at best.

Attend a Bonfire in Germany

In Germany, the tradition of Easter Fires — or “Osterfeuer” — traces back to ancient pagan customs symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. Historically, these fires were believed to ward off evil spirits and ensure fertility for crops and livestock. With the advent of Christianity, the fires became integrated into Easter celebrations, representing the resurrection of Christ and the renewal of life.

Today, communities across Germany gather to construct towering pyres, often adorned with effigies symbolizing winter, which are ceremoniously ignited on Easter Sunday. The festivities extend into Easter Monday, featuring music, dancing, and traditional foods like sausages and hot mulled wine.

Enjoy Chocolate Bilbies in Australia

In Australia, there’s no Easter Bunny, and for a very good reason. In Oceania, rabbits are an invasive species, one that has cause wide-ranging devastation to the local flora. Enter the bilby, or “rabbit-eared bandicoot,” an adorable marsupial native to Australia that has become the chocolatey embodiment of Easter in this part of the world. Even better, the proceeds from selling these bilbies help save the dwindling population of these cute little beasts.

Cook a Huge Omelet in Haux, France

Easter Monday is kind of a big deal in the Southern French town of Haux. After all, you don’t get to cook a gigantic omelet every day. And when we say gigantic, we really mean it. Every year, the town uses more than 15,000 eggs to create an enormous omelet that then feeds thousands of people. The true roots of this tasty tradition are difficult to track, although it’s said that Napoleon himself ordered the villagers to cook a humongous omelet to feed his army after he himself was treated to a particularly memorable meal the day before.

Watch Fireworks in Florence

In Florence, Easter Sunday is ablaze with vibrant celebrations, notably the Scoppio del Carro — or “explosion of the cart” — a tradition dating back over a millennium to the First Crusade. Originating from the belief that a successful ignition of fireworks from a cart signifies a bountiful harvest and good fortune for the city. This spectacle embodies a fusion of religious and pagan elements.

The cart, elaborately adorned with flowers and banners, is paraded through Florence’s streets by participants clad in period costumes reminiscent of the 15th century. when the procession reaches the illustrious Santa Maria del Fiore, or the Duomo, the Archbishop presides over Easter Mass. As the congregation awaits, the Archbishop ignites a fuse, igniting a spectacular fireworks display, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and marking the joyous arrival of spring.

Crack a Whip in Eastern Europe

We’re pretty sure you never thought of getting whipped as an Easter activity. But, if you’re traveling in certain parts of Eastern Europe — including Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic — it’s something you should definitely keep in mind! Don’t worry, though. It’s meant to be a harmless and cheerful celebration with just a little bit of playful flogging.

Yeah, you read that right. For decades, males used to take the streets in Europe armed with “Easter whips” made with willow branches to “whip” girls as a way to ensure their health, beauty, and fertility throughout the year. Today, men can receive lashings as well, and it’s mostly couples and members of the same family who engage in this bizarre yet joyful practice every Easter Monday.

Dress Up as a Witch in Finland

We all tend to associate witches with Halloween, right? Well, children in Finland enjoy dressing up as witches on Easter. This tradition typically happens on Palm Sunday in the eastern half of the country and on Holy Saturday in western Finland. Children don bright costumes and paint freckles on their faces and go door-to-door carrying tree twigs adorned with crepe paper and feathers. Adults will hand out chocolate eggs after the children recite a rhyme that’s believed to scare off evil spirits.

Make a Splash in Poland or Greece

Still shocked about that “playful whipping” thing? Well, turns out that, in some European countries, women throw full buckets of water to their husbands if the husbands get home after midnight. Payback time! All jokes aside, the tradition of dousing loved ones with water in the wake of Easter is quite popular and it’s practiced in many different ways depending on the region.

In Poland, for example, it’s called Śmigus-dyngus (or “Wet Monday”), a festive battle royale during which pretty much everybody gets soaked. It’s said that the girls taking part in this event will get married that year. In Hungary, during what’s called the “sprinkling,” males spray their beloved with perfumed water in exchange for a kiss. And residents of the Greek island of Corfu throw pots and other receptacles filled with water off their balconies, right into the streets. So, what’s with so much water? It’s believed that water purifies, cleanses, and heals, and that’s why it plays such an important part in these countries’ Easter festivities.

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Flying Kites in Bermuda

It’s Good Friday on the island of Bermuda, and people head outside to fly their artisanal kites. Adorned with bright colors and a wide array of designs, the kites take into the skies as part of the Easter weekend celebrations.

According to local legend, it all started when a schoolteacher used a kite to show his Sunday school students how Jesus ascended into the skies after his resurrection. The teacher used a human-shaped kite to illustrate the concept of ascension in a fun and colorful way. To this day, most of the kites displayed in Bermuda have a cross as part of their structure. KiteFest includes a competition with prizes awarded in categories ranging from Most Innovative Design to Best Traditional Kite.

FAQs:

Q: Can I participate in these Easter traditions if I’m visiting these countries during the holiday?
A: Absolutely! Many of these traditions welcome participation from visitors. It’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in local culture. Just be sure to respect the customs and guidelines set by the community.

Q: Are there any age restrictions for participating in these Easter events?
A: Most events are family-friendly and suitable for all ages, but some, like the bonfires in Germany, might be more appropriate for older children and adults due to safety reasons.

Q: Do I need to bring anything if I want to join in the Easter celebrations?
A: It depends on the celebration. For example, in Finland, dressing up as a witch might require a costume, while participating in the water-throwing traditions in Poland or Greece might mean getting wet. It’s best to research or ask locals about what to expect.

Q: Is there an admission fee for these events?
A: Many of the outdoor events, like bonfires in Germany or kite flying in Bermuda, are free. However, some organized events may charge a fee or accept donations. Check local event listings for details.

Q: Where can I find the best hot cross buns in New Zealand during Easter?
A: Bakeries across New Zealand pride themselves on their hot cross buns. For the best experience, try artisanal bakeries in major cities or ask locals for their top recommendations.

Q: Can I buy chocolate bilbies outside of Australia?
A: Chocolate bilbies are unique to Australia, though some Australian expat shops or online retailers may ship internationally around Easter. Purchasing them supports wildlife conservation efforts in Australia.

Q: How early should I arrive for the Scoppio del Carro in Florence?
A: It’s advisable to arrive at least an hour before the event starts to secure a good viewing spot, as it’s a popular event with both locals and tourists.

Do you know any other quirky Easter traditions we should have included here? Let us know in our comments section below!