Easter is a holiday rich in both culinary traditions and cultural significance.
For our 4th Walks & Devour Tours joint newsletter we’re talking all things about this holiday celebrated around the world.
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At Walks and Devour Tours, we lead food and walking tours in 20+ cities across Europe and North America, with a large international staff from diverse backgrounds.
Our team reflects on Easter celebrations in their countries:
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Adonis | Greece
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Easter is a major celebration in Greece. After 40 days of fasting, families gather in villages or the countryside to celebrate. We start by roasting a lamb on a spit from early morning until lunchtime, taking turns among family members. Traditional music, singing, and dancing accompany the cooking. After a game of egg-crushing with dyed red eggs, everyone sits down to enjoy the feast together, sharing wine and tsipouro (a traditional Greek spirit) until late into the evening.
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Amber | UK
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Roast lamb is a very popular dish for Easter in the UK. It’s normally served with roast potatoes, vegetables, lots and lots of gravy, and maybe even a Yorkshire pudding. When I was a child, I remember going to the Easter dawn service at my church. We had to get up outrageously early, when it was still dark and cold outside, so that the sunrise took place during the service. My favorite part of the day was always the Easter egg hunt at my grandparents’ house afterwards.
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Ruth | Portugal
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Catholics avoid meat on Fridays, but come Sunday, it’s all about enjoying roasted goat or lamb with potatoes. A common appetizer to eat on Easter is raw cured bacon stuffed with apricots. Another tradition is eating a Folar de Pascoa, a sweet bread baked with a whole egg inside, symbolizing abundance after fasting during Lent.
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Lea | France
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In France, Easter wouldn’t be complete without the iconic Agneau Pascal, or Easter lamb. It’s a centerpiece on many French tables, symbolizing the arrival of spring and renewal. Additionally, Easter is celebrated with delightful pâcques (chocolate eggs). Christian families gather for Mass on Easter Sunday, followed by a festive meal featuring roast lamb and traditional treats like chocolate eggs and brioche. Children enjoy Easter egg hunts, while vibrant Easter markets offer artisanal chocolates and crafts throughout the country.
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María | Spain
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I was born and raised in Sevilla (where Semana Santa is a pretty big deal), and still live and work here today. I like making torrijas while I burn incense and listen to Semana Santa music. I walk in a procession on Palm Sunday, wear the mantilla on Thursday, and spend the whole week out watching processions until 3 a.m. While Easter Sunday isn’t as big of a celebration here, I enjoy a family gathering at home.
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Easter in Rome: What you should know
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Easter in Italy, particularly in Rome, holds immense religious significance as the seat of the Roman Catholic Church and home
to Vatican City.
But what’s it like to actually experience the holiday in the Eternal City? Read along for everything you need to know about Easter in Rome, including:
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• The main holiday events in Rome
• Seeing the Pope on Easter
• Typical dishes to enjoy
• Day trips from Rome at Easter
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Making traditional Easter recipes
Learn to make two traditional Easter recipes: Colomba, a cake from Italy, and Torrijas, a sweet treat enjoyed in Spain that’s reminiscent of French toast.
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