Easter Around the World
Easter marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and is celebrated worldwide in diverse ways. While primarily a Christian holiday, different countries, cultures, and even non-Christians observe Easter. Here are the ways that a few various regions across the globe, including our beautiful South Africa, commemorate Easter.
Spain: Semana Santa Processions
Spain’s Semana Santa (Holy Week) features dynamic religious processions. Members of religious brotherhoods carry massive floats depicting biblical scenes through the streets, accompanied by sombre music and candlelight. Easter Sunday is a joyful celebration, with church bells ringing across the country.
Italy: The Pope’s Blessing and Passion Plays
As the heart of Catholicism, Italy hosts grand Easter events. On Good Friday, the Via Crucis (way of the cross) takes place at the Colosseum. Easter Sunday features the Papal Blessings (Urbi et Orbi) from St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, drawing thousands of pilgrims.
Greece: The Midnight Resurrection and Fireworks
Greek Orthodox Easter follows a different calendar and is celebrated with a midnight ceremony. Candles are lit, symbolising Christ’s resurrection, followed by joyous shouts of “Christos Anesti!” (Christ is Risen) and fireworks. Easter Sunday is marked by feasts including roasted lamb.
The United States: Church, Easter Eggs, and Parades
In the U.S., Easter combines religious traditions with cultural customs like the Easter Bunny, egg hunts, and parades. Families attend church services and enjoy festive meals, while cities like New York host grand Easter parades.
Ethiopia: Fasika and Fasting
Ethiopian Orthodox Christians celebrate Fasika (Easter) after a 55-day fast, avoiding meat, dairy, and egg. The Easter service lasts overnight, ending with a sunrise feast featuring traditional dishes like Doro Wat (spicy chicken stew). Easter, though rooted in Christianity, is celebrated in unique ways across cultures. Whether through solemn processions, midnight vigils or festive meals, the holiday reflects both faith and tradition worldwide.
South Africa: Faith, Pilgrimage, and Community
South Africa, with its large Christian population, observes Easter through church services, fasting, and family gatherings. Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays, and Easter Monday was renamed as Family Day in 1995 with the intention of families and friends spending quality time together. Families and friends gather over the long weekend and host braais and have Easter egg hunts for the whole family. A unique tradition is the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) pilgrimage in Moria, Limpopo, where thousands gather for worship. Many communities hold outdoor services, gospel concerts and passion plays, blending faith with cultural festivities.
Fun Fact
Hot cross buns were initially started in England as an Easter traditional treat with a spiced bun marked with a cross. Despite being an Easter treat in English-speaking countries, in South Africa it is a common teatime snack year-round.
