Easter Around the World: Surprising & Unique Traditions You’ve Never Heard Of

As Easter approaches, images of pastel eggs, chocolate bunnies, and springtime blooms start to fill our minds. But did you know that Easter is celebrated in wildly different ways across the globe? At Sukhothai, we love honoring traditions—Thai and beyond—so we’re taking you on a quick tour of some of the most fascinating Easter customs from around the world. 🌍💐

🇵🇱 Poland – A Splash of Fun

In Poland, Easter Monday is known as Śmigus-Dyngus, or Wet Monday. On this day, people (especially young ones!) arm themselves with buckets or water guns and soak each other in playful water fights. The tradition is believed to bring good health and fortune for the year to come. Sound familiar? It’s not unlike Thailand’s own Songkran water festival!

🇸🇪 Sweden – Like Halloween, But in Spring

Swedish Easter traditions involve kids dressing up as little witches (called påskkärringar) and going door to door with drawings in exchange for sweets. It’s a charming blend of springtime joy and playful mischief, much like Halloween in other parts of the world.

🇫🇷 France – An Omelette for a Village

In the town of Haux, France, locals whip up a giant omelette every Easter Monday. Using over 4,000 eggs, they cook a massive meal that feeds up to 1,000 people! The tradition was started to honor Napoleon, who once asked for an enormous omelette after tasting a local dish during his travels.

🇬🇷 Greece – Midnight Fireworks and Red Eggs

In Greece, Easter is the most important religious holiday of the year. Celebrations culminate with midnight fireworks on Holy Saturday, and the cracking of red-dyed eggs, symbolizing the resurrection of Christ and the blood of sacrifice. The meal that follows often features lamb and traditional Easter bread.

🇵🇭 Philippines – Rituals and Street Performances

In the Philippines, Easter is marked by dramatic and deeply spiritual events. The Senakulo, or Passion play, is performed throughout Holy Week, and on Easter Sunday, there’s a special tradition called Salubong—a dawn procession symbolizing the meeting of the risen Christ and the Virgin Mary.

Why We Love These Traditions

Each of these customs shows how food, faith, and community are deeply intertwined around the world. Whether it’s through sharing a giant omelette or tossing water in joy, the heart of Easter celebrations is the same: renewal, hope, and connection.

At Sukhothai, while we don’t serve chocolate bunnies, we believe in celebrating life with delicious meals and warm hospitality. Why not gather your loved ones this Easter and explore the bold, fresh flavors of Thai cuisine?

Celebrate the Season at Sukhothai

Whether you’re honoring Easter, Songkran, or simply the arrival of spring, there’s always something to celebrate—with authentic Thai food that brings people together.