Discover Unique Easter Traditions From Around the World

And how you can experience them!

As we approach Easter time in just a couple of weeks, we are reminded of the traditions we celebrate within our family, community and culture. These traditions could be wide ranging, but it’s what makes celebrating the holiday so special. Does your extended family host Easter lunch? Perhaps your neighbourhood hosts an annual Easter egg hunt for the kids? Maybe you attend a local Church service?

Around the world, Easter is a holiday marked with unique traditions and customs from a long weekend family getaway to preparing a giant omelette in the southern French town of Haux. Here are some of the unique Easter traditions from around the world, and recommendations for how you can experience them first-hand!

Wet Monday in Poland

In Poland, it’s a good idea to wear a poncho on Easter Monday or else you may get soaked! Śmigus-Dyngus, also called Wet Monday, is a Polish tradition which involves people throwing drenching amounts of water at each other.

Why? Well, the tradition goes all the way back to at least the 14th century where it was associated with the coming of spring and as a way for young boys to show their affection for a girl. As legend has it, girls who get soaked on this day will marry within the year. Today it’s a full-blown national water fight with water balloons and pistols where everyone is involved – knowingly or otherwise.

Raffles Europejski Warsaw, Poland

A contemporary, 5-star stay in historic Warsaw, the Raffles Europejski Warsaw is one of the most celebrated buildings in Poland. Located on the Royal Route, the stunning palace was built in 1857 where it quickly became the city’s creative and artistic hub, resonating with the glamour of the period. Today, the hotel is beautifully renovated boasting opulent interiors, a world-class spa and exceptional dining experiences, including the famed Europejski Grill.

Guests can discover the historic and artistic legacy of Warsaw that make the city so captivating by wandering through the hotel’s living gallery, comprising more than 500 modern and contemporary artworks, or with personalised city tours led by knowledgeable certified guides. If you’re heading out and about exploring the city at Easter time, just remember to bring an umbrella!

Little Witches in Scandinavia

Double double, toil and trouble. In parts of Scandinavia, Easter is celebrated with a charming and unique tradition known as Påskkärringar, where children dress as "Easter witches" and visit homes, offering homemade drawings and cards in exchange for Easter treats in a similar vein to trick-or-treating. This quirky custom, rooted in centuries old folklore, adds a magical touch to the Swedish holiday festivities and offers an intimate glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Viking Cruises - Scandinavia and Baltic Capitals

Set sail on an intimate exploration of some of Europe’s most captivating cities and trace the shores of the Baltic Sea to discover magnificent fjords and UNESCO-listed cities with Viking Cruises' Scandinavia and Baltic Capitals voyage. Your journey will take you from the charming streets of Oslo, through Sweden and the Baltic countries, before disembarking amongst the cultural riches of Copenhagen.

Indulge in world-class amenities aboard the Viking Saturn while uncovering the unique cultures, architecture, and landscapes that define this incredible region. Perfect for those seeking a refined yet immersive travel experience, this cruise is a seamless blend of relaxation and discovery. Depending on the time of year, you might encounter some little witches wandering the neighbourhood streets seeking treats during your shore visits!

Bilbies not Bunnies in Australia

It is well known that rabbits are considered a pest in Australia, so in 1991, Rabbit-Free Australia launched a massively successful campaign to replace the Easter Bunny with the Easter Bilby – an endangered native marsupial with rabbit-like ears. Many companies now produce chocolate bilbies for Easter with proceeds benefiting charities including Rabbit-Free Australia and Save The Bilby Fund.

Once found across 70% of Australia, today they are restricted to around 15% including the deserts of central Australia, the Pilbara and Kimberley regions of Western Australia and wildlife sanctuaries throughout the country.

El Questro, East Kimberley, Western Australia

Discover the vast and ancient landscape and untamed beauty of Western Australia’s East Kimberley region from the 700,000 acres of El Questro. Boasting stunning gorges, waterfalls, swimming holes and thermal hot springs and lookouts over the awe-inspiring Kimberley landscape, El Questro is where luxury meets outback.

There are four incredible accommodation options available to suit your tastes, including the Homestead, an exclusive luxury oasis, to The Station with comfortable rooms and glamping tents available. Explore the property by horseback, river cruise, 4WD, helicopter or foot with a wide variety of tours, trails and cruises available led by experienced and knowledgeable local guides. If you’re lucky enough, you may even spot a bilby!

Join the Parade in the USA

If there’s one thing New York City loves, it’s a festive parade! The Easter Bonnet Parade and Festival is one of the highlights of spring time in NYC that anyone is welcome to join and is a tradition dating back to the 1870s. The highlight of the festival are the elaborate bonnets ranging from the modestly decorated to the outlandish and whimsical. The parade marches each Easter Sunday along Fifth Avenue, starting at 49th Street and wrapping up at 57th Street, the only requirement is a bonnet, the more ridiculous the better!

The St. Regis New York, New York City

An iconic New York landmark and ideally located just off Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, The St. Regis New York is the perfect base from which to catch the Easter parade. Known for its exceptional service, the hotel offers personalised 24/7 butler service for each guest for an extra indulgent experience. This art deco icon seamlessly blends classic charm with modern amenities, spotlighting artistic interiors, lavish rooms and the renowned King Cole Bar where the original Bloody Mary cocktail was invented.

When you book The St. Regis New York through Travelcall, you’re guaranteed to receive daily breakfast credits for two, $100USD food and beverage credit, upgrades on arrival and early check-in/late check-outs subject to availability.

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If you’re interested to learn more about how you can experience unique cultural traditions around the world with added benefits, reach out to our knowledgeable Travelcall advisors today!

MELBOURNE 03 9252 3800 | SYDNEY 02 8333 7700 | BRISBANE 07 3368 2113

or email travel@travelcall.com.au