From the Easter Egg Roll at The White House to the bells tolling at Paris’s Le Sainte Chapelle and Sunday mass at the Vatican, there are numerous ways Easter is celebrated around the world. If you’re travelling in April, chances are you’ll come across these festivities, so plan your Easter weekend in advance.
Take a look at our guide to global Easter traditions…
Easter in Rome…
Easter begins on Palm Sunday in Rome. The Pope holds a special mass service in Saint Peter’s Square in Vatican City to mark the occasion. Entry is free, and the service usually draws in huge crowds of Christians and Catholics looking to partake in the religious ceremony. There are numerous mass services after Palm Sunday including an audience with the Pope on the Wednesday that follows, Good Friday mass and two Easter Sunday services. The Vatican is one of Rome’s top attractions and is very busy throughout the year, during Easter we recommend arriving early to be included in the festivities.
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Red Route, Stop: Vatican
Easter in Sydney…
The Sydney Royal Easter Show is an annual event that is held for two weeks across the Easter period in Australia. First held in 1823, the ticketed event has returned bigger and better year after year with proceeds being invested back into helping the community. The show celebrates rural traditions and the modern-day lifestyles that make up Australian culture. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding what to do first, there are agricultural competitions, animal experiences, fireworks, live entertainment, carnival fun, shopping and so much more!
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Easter in Budapest…
Running for the month leading up to Easter every year, the Budapest Spring Fair takes place in Vörösmarty Square. Following the success of the Budapest Christmas fair, this event sees Easter traditions take centre stage. The historic plaza transforms into a hub of cultural events for adults and children to enjoy. Past activities have included folk music, dance performances, concerts and art workshops. There are also countless market stalls selling homemade crafts as well as food and drink. Entry to the Budapest Spring Fair is completely free making this activity a top thing to do in Budapest.
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Red & Blue Route, Stop: Chain Bridge
Easter in Paris…
Tucked away behind Notre Dame and hidden from the usual hustle and bustle of Paris tourists is La Sainte Chapelle. A beautiful piece of gothic architecture with stained-glass windows, home to one of the best Easter concerts in Paris. Tickets start from €25 and concert goers can look forward to listening to the works of famous composers like Bach, Haydn and Mozart. Experience a magical Easter tradition with choral singers here, then head back to Notre Dame to hear the bells toll throughout Easter Sunday. For anyone travelling to Paris with children, there’s also an Easter egg hunt at Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte where 85,000 eggs are hidden for the little ones to find.
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Red Route, Stop: Notre Dame
Easter in Washington DC…
Hosted by the President of the United States and the First Lady, the Easter Egg Roll is an annual event held of the South Lawn of the White House on Easter Monday. The tradition is believed to date back to the early 19th century and involves children aged 13 and younger rolling a coloured hard-boiled egg with a large serving spoon across the lawn. Entrants are selected from a public lottery in February and invited to spend the day taking part in a range of Easter activities. If you don’t manage to land a ticket, the event is normally televised and can be watched while enjoying pancakes at your favourite Washington DC diner.
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Red, Purple & Yellow Route, Stop: White House
Washington DC Bus Tour Tickets
Easter in London…
Held in Trafalgar Square on Good Friday, The Passion of Jesus is a free, open-air play which attracts over 20,000 people every year. Wrap up warm and grab a spot on the square to see the Wintershall Players retell the classic bible story of Jesus’s resurrection. The play runs for 90-minutes and is performed twice during the afternoon. Big screens project the performance so even if crowds are large everyone can see the action unfold. While many are familiar with the story of Jesus’s crucifixion, parental guidance is advised for younger members of the audience.
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Red Route, Stop: Trafalgar Square
Wherever you are in the world, celebrate Easter in style with our suggestions of top things to do. Remember some shops and restaurants close early or don’t open at all during the Easter period so it’s important to check before heading out. You can also take advantage of our Big Bus Tours operating in over 20 locations around the world, where you can see all the very best attractions and landmarks during your trip.
