Easter Around the World

More than just a day for enjoying backyard egg hunts and bingeing on chocolate bunnies and marshmallow Peeps, Easter comes to life in fun, often eccentric ways around the world. From friendly egg battles and lively water fights to kite flying and bonfire celebrations, here’s a peak into the many unique traditions that make the spring celebration so unique across various cultures.

Texas Twist

Here in Texas, Easter isn’t complete without cascarónes — hol lowed-out eggs filled with confetti, just waiting to be cracked over an unsuspecting friend’s head. This tradition, brought over from Mexico, is said to bring good luck to the recipient. Whether you’re sneaking up on a cousin at a backyard barbecue or caught in a full-blown cascarón battle at a festival, this colorful tradition adds a playful (and slightly messy) touch to Easter celebrations across the Lone Star State.

Sky-High Kites

In Bermuda, Easter is a time for kite flying, with Good Friday marking the peak of the tradition. Legend has it that a local teacher once used a kite to explain Jesus’ ascension to his students, and the custom took off – literally. Each spring, beautiful, handmade kites fill the island’s skies during Easter time in a vibrant display of faith and artistry.

Egg Rolling in Scotland

In Scotland, kids don’t just decorate their Easter eggs – they also put them to the test in a rolling contest. The goal? To send a hardboiled egg tumbling down a hill without it cracking. This practice, also common in England, symbolizes rolling away the stone from Jesus’ tomb.

Easter Whodunits

Forget the Easter bunny — Norwegians celebrate the holiday with Easter crime stories, or Påskekrim. During Easter week, bookstores are filled with detective novels, and TV stations air crime dramas. This unusual tradition dates back to a 1923 marketing stunt for a mystery novel, which became so popular that it evolved into a nationwide Easter obsession.

Water Fights

In Poland, Easter Monday is known as Śmigus-dyngus, or Wet Monday, when the streets are filled with playful water fights. Boys traditionally splash girls with water in a lighthearted tradition that symbolizes cleansing and renewal. The custom has evolved into a full-on water battle, with families and communities joining in. The more water, the better the luck, making it one of the most energetic and refreshing ways to celebrate Easter.

Egg Tapping: A Battle of Strength

A common Easter pastime in Greece, India, Croatia, and Romania is egg tapping, in which participants take turns tapping their hard-boiled eggs against an opponent's, and the one left uncracked is declared the winner. This tradition isn’t just for fun – it’s a test of egg preparation and, in some places, is believed to bring good fortune to the victor.

Colorful Explosion

In Florence, Italy, Easter Sunday kicks off with the Scoppio del Carro, or the Explosion of the Cart.

During the centuries-old tradition, a decorated cart filled with fireworks is set off in a spectacular display. The tradition is said to ensure a good harvest, with the explosion symbolizing the power of the Holy Spirit. Crowds gather in the streets, eagerly awaiting the dramatic burst of color and light.

Easter Bonfires

In Germany, Easter is marked by massive Easter bonfires, a tradition that dates back centuries. Villages and towns build towering bonfires, often made from wood and brush collected over the winter. These fires are lit on Easter Sunday to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness, as well as the end of winter and arrival of spring. Communities gather around the fires, enjoying the warmth and fes tive atmosphere.

Local Easter Activities

FROM COLORFUL EGG HUNTS AT LOCAL CHURCHES TO EGG HUNTS FOR YOUR FOUR-LEGGED FAMILY MEMBERS, THERE’S NO SHORTAGE OF SPRINGTIME FUN AROUND LIBERTY HILL.

Play For All Special Needs Egg Hunt

April 12 • 10am-12pm

Play for All Park

151 N A.W. Grimes Blvd • Round Rock

Designed for children with disabilities, this special egg hunt at offers a fun, inclusive way to celebrate Easter in a safe, sensory-friendly environment.

Register at roundrockrecreation.com

Mission Liberty Hill Egg Hunt

April 19 • 10am–12pm 355 Loop 332, Liberty Hill

Join the fun at Mission Liberty Hill Lutheran Church’s annual Easter Egg Hunt at Lions Foundation Park.

Glad Tidings Church Egg Hunt

April 19 • 10am–2pm

1006 N US HWY 183, Leander

Thousands of eggs will be scattered across the park, waiting for kids to collect them during hunts that will take place every 10 minutes. Enjoy Inflatables, games, and food trucks after your hunt!

Register at gladtidings.org/leanderegghunt