Eastertide: How It's Celebrated in the Americas and Across Europe

What is Eastertide?

Eastertide, also known as the Easter Season, is a 50-day period in the Christian liturgical calendar that begins on Easter Sunday and ends on Pentecost Sunday. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the early days of the Church. Eastertide is marked by joy, renewal, and spiritual reflection, celebrated through diverse customs around the world.

Eastertide Traditions in Europe

Italy: Pasqua and Pasquetta

Italians celebrate Pasqua (Easter Sunday) with church services and meals featuring lamb and sweet breads like colomba. The Monday after Easter, Pasquetta, is a national holiday for picnics and outings with friends and family.

Greece: Orthodox Easter

In Greece, Orthodox Easter is the most important religious celebration. Holy Week culminates in a midnight Resurrection Service, followed by fireworks and a family feast that includes lamb and tsoureki (sweet bread).

Poland: Śmigus-Dyngus (Wet Monday)

On Easter Monday, Polish people celebrate Śmigus-Dyngus by playfully splashing water on one another—a tradition tied to spring purification and fertility rites.

Hungary: Locsolkodás

In Hungary, boys sprinkle perfume or water on girls on Easter Monday in a tradition known as locsolkodás. In return, the boys receive painted eggs, chocolates, or money.

France: Giant Easter Omelette

In Bessières, France, locals prepare a giant omelette using over 15,000 eggs. This tradition is said to date back to Napoleon's visit to the region.

Eastertide Celebrations in the Americas

United States: Dyngus Day

In cities with large Polish-American communities like Buffalo, New York, Dyngus Day features polka music, dancing, and water play—keeping Polish heritage alive.

Mexico: Semana Santa and Pascua

Mexico observes Semana Santa with religious processions, Passion plays, and reenactments of Christ's crucifixion. The following week, known as Pascua, is a more relaxed time for family gatherings and travel.

Brazil: Festa da Páscoa

In Brazil, Festa da Páscoa mixes Christian traditions with vibrant cultural expressions. Chocolate eggs, church services, and festive meals are central to the season.

Common Symbols of Eastertide

• Eggs: Symbol of new life and the resurrection of Christ.
• Lamb: Represents Jesus as the sacrificial Lamb of God.
• Water: Used in baptism and purification rituals.
• Fireworks: Represent joy and divine light, especially in Greek and Italian customs.

Conclusion: A Shared Spirit of Renewal

Though the customs vary widely, Eastertide around the world is a time of renewal, celebration, and community. From solemn church services to lively street festivals, the season brings together people of faith and culture to honor hope and new beginnings.