Easter is just a month away. Whether you’re a devout believer or a curious traveler, now might be the perfect time to plan for this beautiful holiday. While Easter traditions may vary worldwide, they all possess the same unifying factor.
They carry a joy so great it turns an otherwise ordinary weekend into a time for reflection, hope, and grand displays of love and affection.
In Kenya, Easter is spent with family and loved ones. Most locals flock to churches on Easter Sunday, which is then followed by a sumptuous feast. Gifts are exchanged and messages of hope and goodwill are shared among believers.
But what about the rest of the world? In this article, Kendirita Tours highlights some of the most notable Easter traditions around the world.
Easter in Spain
In Spain, Easter is one of the most significant religious festivals. Among locals, it is referred to as Semana Santa which denotes not just the weekend, but the entire holy week leading up to Easter Sunday.
Cities like Seville and Malaga are renowned for their elaborate processions which feature ornate floats carrying religious icons, accompanied by solemn music and incense burning.
If you choose to travel to Spain during this season, you may witness these impressive displays of faith. Here, you can immerse yourself in the profound spiritual atmosphere that permeates the country during Easter.
Easter in Greece
In Greece, Easter is celebrated with a unique blend of religious solemnity and joyful festivities. The highlight of the Greek Easter is the midnight Resurrection service on Holy Saturday.
On this night, churches across the country burst into jubilant celebration as the symbolic “Holy Light” is passed from person to person, illuminating the darkness.
Greeks are known to be very warm and hospitable people. And during Easter more so. Often, traditional feasts featuring delicacies like lamb and tsoureki (sweet Easter bread) are enjoyed with family, friends, and visitors alike. Notably, the Greek-famous red-dyed eggs are used as table decorations or baked into tsoureki.
Easter in Poland
In Poland, Easter is celebrated with a delightful mix of religious customs and joyful traditions. One of the most beloved Easter traditions is the blessing of Easter baskets filled with an array of symbolic foods, including bread, eggs, and ham.
Families gather in churches to have their baskets blessed by priests, marking the beginning of Easter festivities. Visitors to Poland during Easter can partake in this heartwarming tradition and sample delicious Easter delicacies while experiencing the warmth of Polish hospitality.
Easter in Rural Kenya
In Kenya, Easter is celebrated with a blend of Christian traditions and indigenous customs. After tackling the traffic on our highways (a minor inconvenience really), Easter in Kenya starts immediately the city dwellers arrive in the villages.
There is usually something in the air akin to ubuntu, the spirit of our African togetherness.
On Easter Sunday most Kenyans will attend church for high mass and thereafter share a magnificent feast. Chickens will be slaughtered, beef stewed, and mbuzi (goat) roasted for all to enjoy. Some communities may also incorporate vibrant song and dance into their Easter celebrations, adding a colorful and lively atmosphere to the festivities.
Conclusion
Easter is a global celebration of culture, faith, and community. From the solemn processions of Spain to the jubilant celebrations in Greece and Poland, and the blend of Christian and indigenous customs in Kenya, there is something for every believing traveler. So why don’t you choose your destination now and let us plan your Easter vacation?
Writer: Winnie Wekesa