Last week we were in the Andalusia region of Spain and had lunch with missionaries who live on a street on which Easter parades occur the seven days leading up to Easter. The missionaries told us that some of the floats are so massive that they require up to 60 men to carry them!
That’s a far cry from the way we celebrate Easter in the United States!
Here, Easter often means sunrise services, family meals, and maybe a few chocolate bunnies along the way.
But across Europe, the celebration of Easter takes on some beautifully unique expressions.
We thought it would be interesting to explore how a few European countries celebrate Easter so we did some sleuthing and found these cultural expressions:
- In Spain, entire cities pause for Semana Santa—Holy Week—where solemn processions fill the streets. Worshippers walk for hours, remembering the suffering and sacrifice of Christ.
- In France, church bells fall silent from Good Friday to Easter Sunday. Tradition says they’ve “flown to Rome”. It’s a quiet but meaningful way to mark the weight – and the wonder – of the resurrection.
- In Germany, families gather around Easter fires – large bonfires lit to symbolize the victory of light over darkness.
- In Belgium, churches such as our home church – Brussels Christian Center – hold special Easter services. Easter Monday is often celebrated with egg hunts in public squares, and families sharing chocolate eggs.
- In the United Kingdom, children delight in egg rolling competitions on the village green, while churches host special services that combine joyful worship with centuries-old traditions.
- And in Italy, cities and towns stage elaborate processions and re-enactments of Christ’s passion, blending faith, art, and community into a deeply moving celebration.
A Global Declaration of Hope
Different countries and different traditions … But the same powerful truth.
The resurrection of Jesus is not just a local celebration – it’s a global declaration of hope.
We are thankful for your generosity that helps make sure the gospel story continues to be shared and that leaders are strengthened so they can continue to build the European church.
However you celebrate Easter, we hope it’s meaningful for you and your loved ones.
Happy Easter!
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