Why not mix it up for Easter and try out a new tradition? We've picked 10 of our favourite destinations from around the world to help inspire you.
Australia
In 1991, the Easter Bunny was changed to the Easter Bilby in Australia, as rabbits are generally considered to be pests in the land down under. Confectionary companies now make chocolate bilbies for easter, with the profits going to aiding the endangered animals!
Finland
A combination of western Halloween and Easter, children in Finland dress up like witches and go door to door asking for chocolate eggs. The costumes are usually made up of painted faces, scarves wrapped around heads, and twigs decorated with feathers. In some parts of Finland, bonfires are lit during easter. This tradition stems from the belief that flames will ward off witches who are known to fly around on their brooms between Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
Poland
On Easter Monday, people in Poland throw water over each other with water pistols, buckets or anything they can utilise. This tradition, known as Śmigus-dyngus (Wet Monday) is connected with the baptism of a Polish Prince. It is said that women who get soaked on Wet Monday will be married by the end of the year!
Haux, France
Every year in this small town in Southern France, a giant omelette is made. And we mean giant, the omelette uses more than 15,000 eggs and feeds up to 1,000 people! Legend says that Napoléon himself visited the town and had an omelette that he enjoyed so much, he ordered the town to make a giant version for himself and his army!
Corfu, Greece
On Easter Saturday the people of Corfu throw pots, pans, and other clay utensils filled with water, out of their windows. Some believe the tradition welcomes spring and symbolises new crops that will be gathered in new pots. Others believe the tradition comes from the Venetians throwing their old possessions out of their windows on New Year’s Eve.
Washington, USA
Since 1878, the White House has hosted the Easter Egg Roll on the south Lawn. Started by President Rutherford B. Hayes, who issued an order that if any children wanted to come to the White House to roll their Easter Eggs (a tradition that at the time was forbidden on Capitol grounds), they would be allowed to do so. The main activity involves rolling a decorated boiled egg with a large wooden spoon. The event has become so popular than now it includes music acts, an egg hunt, sports, and crafts.
Brazil
In many Latin American countries certain regions of Spain, people take part in the ‘Burning of Judas’. An effigy (or multiple) of Judas, the apostle who betrayed Jesus, and then burned in a central location. Similar to the Bonfire Night traditions of the UK.
Antigua, Guatemala
Cobble stone roads in Antigua, Guatemala are transformed into colourful carpets to mark Easter. The stunning rainbow-like pathways are made using coloured sawdust, vegetables and flowers and can stretch up to 800 metres long. Local artists use stencils to create the elaborate patterns and scenes covering traditional and religious themes. Feast your eyes on the display while you can – the Good Friday procession over the carpets will be followed by a clean-up team that’ll sweep up all remnants of the art.
Norway
Norwegians eat more than 20 million oranges during Easter weekend. This tradition is believed to have originated when oranges were only available during their late winter season, and they are seen as a harbinger of spring, and brighter days to come.
Bermuda
Easter Festivities in Bermuda begin on Good Friday with KiteFest. People who want to celebrate take to different parts of the island and show off their homemade kites decorated with bold, geometric patterns and colours. Throughout the weekend, people eat codfish and hot cross buns.
by net effect