Easter is one of the most important festivals celebrated in Europe. It is a time when people go on a spiritual journey, reflecting on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The celebration usually begins with Holy Week, which is the week preceding Easter Sunday. The Holy Week is followed by Easter Monday, which marks the beginning of the Easter celebration. Here’s how to celebrate Easter in Europe:
1. Go to a church service
Attending a church service is one of the most common ways of celebrating Easter in Europe. Many churches in Europe have special services throughout the Holy Week, including Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. During these services, the congregation sings hymns, listens to scripture readings and sermons, and participates in prayers and communion.
2. Join a parade
Easter parades are popular in many European countries. In Spain, for example, there is the Semana Santa procession, which takes place during Holy Week. Participants dress up in robes and carry statues of Jesus and the Virgin Mary through the streets. In Greece, the Epitafios procession takes place on Good Friday. The procession involves carrying a tomb containing the body of Jesus through the streets.
3. Eat Easter eggs
Easter eggs are a popular tradition in many European countries. In Germany, for example, decorated Easter eggs are hung on trees or given as gifts. In Greece, red Easter eggs are boiled and then smashed together in a game of “tsougrisma.” In the UK, Easter eggs are made of chocolate and given to children.
4. Enjoy Easter pastries
Easter is also a time for indulging in sweet treats. In Poland, the tradition is to eat babka, a sweet bread made with raisins and flavoured with vanilla and lemon zest. In Italy, Colomba Pasquale, a dove-shaped pastry with candied fruit and almonds, is enjoyed during Easter. In France, there is the Easter egg-shaped chocolate mousse cake called “gâteau de Pâques.”
5. Plant a tree
In some European countries, it is customary to plant trees on Easter Monday. In Finland, for example, this tradition is called “Malskinen.” Malskinen involves planting a birch tree in front of your house, followed by a meal of Easter pudding with cream and sugar. This tradition is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
6. Have a family meal
Easter is a time for families to come together and share a meal. In Portugal, a traditional Easter meal includes roasted lamb or goat, potato salad, and sweet bread. In Spain, the Easter meal is called “El Cocido,” a stew made with meat and vegetables. In Italy, the Easter meal includes a variety of dishes, including artichokes, pasta, and roasted lamb.
In conclusion, Easter is a special time of the year in Europe, and there are many ways to celebrate. Whether it’s attending a church service, joining a parade, eating Easter eggs and pastries, planting a tree, or having a family meal, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
