10 Quirky Easter Traditions From Around the World You’ve (Probably) Never Heard Of

Easter might conjure up visions of chocolate eggs, hot cross buns, and pastel bunting—but hop across a few borders, and you’ll find traditions that are anything but typical. From crime novels to exploding carts, there’s a whole world of unique Easter customs just waiting to be discovered. So, whether you're planning a spring escape or just love a good cultural curiosity, here are 10 unexpected Easter traditions from around the globe that might just surprise you...

France – "One Huge Omelette, Please!"

In the town of Haux, Easter Monday means omelette for everyone. And we’re not talking a quick fry-up. Think over 4,000 eggs, stirred and sizzled into a giant pan right in the town square, feeding up to 1,000 hungry locals and visitors. Legend has it Napoleon once stopped there and demanded a big enough omelette to feed his entire army—and the tradition stuck.

Norway – The Cosy Crime Craze

While we’re binging chocolate, Norwegians are binging crime novels. Known as Påskekrim (Easter crime), this brilliant tradition sees the whole country hunker down with a hot drink and a juicy whodunnit over their 9-day holiday break. Even milk cartons get in on the action, printing mini mysteries for your breakfast reading pleasure. Want to join in? Try The Snowman by Jo Nesbø or stream a moody mystery like Broadchurch, Line of Duty, or Happy Valley. And for something gripping with a familiar face, Luther: The Fallen Sun on Netflix is pure crime drama gold. Cosy, chilling, and completely binge-worthy.

Ukraine – Painted Eggs With Soul

You’ve seen painted Easter eggs—but have you seen pysanky? These Ukrainian beauties are hand-decorated using a wax-resist method and covered in intricate symbols that each hold meaning: protection, prosperity, health, or rebirth. Not only are they gorgeous, but they’re deeply spiritual too. And here’s the wild bit—this tradition actually dates back to the prehistoric Trypillian culture, long before modern Easter celebrations began. These aren’t eggs for eating—they’re miniature masterpieces, passed down through generations, with each one telling its own story.

Sweeden & Finland – Easter Witches on the Loose

Over in Sweeden and in parts of Finland, Easter takes a turn for the spooky. Children traditionally dress up as "påskkärringar" (Easter witches), with painted faces, shawls, and broomsticks, going door to door offering blessings (and hoping for a sweet or two in return). It’s part Halloween, part spring ritual, and completely charming.

Bermuda – Flying High on Good Friday

Good Friday in Bermuda is a feast for the eyes. Families gather to fly homemade kites—colourful, geometric, and often enormous—against the blue sky and ocean backdrop. The tradition is said to represent Christ’s ascension, and the atmosphere? Joyful, breezy, and beautifully Bermudian.

Spain – Skeletons and Drums in Catalonia

Easter in Spain is big, bold, and full of drama, but one of the lesser-known highlights happens in Verges, Catalonia. Locals stage a Dansa de la Mort—a "Dance of Death"—with hooded skeletons parading by torchlight to pounding drumbeats. It's haunting, theatrical, and oddly hypnotic.

Ethiopia – Fasika Feasting

Ethiopian Orthodox Christians celebrate Fasika after a 55-day fast (no meat, no dairy). When Easter arrives, it’s time for joy, family, and feasting—usually on injera (a spongy sourdough flatbread), rich stews, and strong Ethiopian coffee. It's a soulful, communal celebration steeped in faith and tradition.

Papua New Guinea – A Smokier Kind of Offering

Here’s one you probably haven’t seen on an Easter greeting card: in parts of Papua New Guinea, churches decorate with tobacco leaves and cigarettes rather than flowers. These are offered up as gifts by the congregation, and it’s a vivid reminder that traditions are as diverse as the people who celebrate them.

Italy – Florence’s Fiery Spectacle

The Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the Cart) is exactly what it sounds like. In Florence, a centuries-old cart loaded with fireworks is paraded through the city before literally exploding in front of the cathedral. It’s loud, it’s dazzling, and it’s said to bring a bountiful harvest and good fortune for the year.

So, What Does It All Mean?

It means that Easter is far more than eggs and bunnies. It's a global celebration with layers of culture, history, and imagination—and a whole lot of personality. So next time you’re travelling over Easter (or just want to bring a bit of the world into your living room), look beyond the supermarket aisles and dive into the unexpected traditions that make this season so special.

Got a favourite? Pop me a message—I’m always up for swapping fun travel tales or adding a new Easter tradition to my list.