If you think Easter is just about chocolate eggs, pastel colors, and a family brunch, you might be in for a surprise. Around the world, this springtime holiday unfolds in wildly different ways – some ancient, some modern, some reverent, and some delightfully weird. For those of us who travel to connect with something deeper – or simply to witness the beautifully unfamiliar – Easter can offer a front-row seat to traditions that defy expectations. From firecrackers in Florence to witches in Finland, here are some of the most surprising Easter customs from around the globe—and how to experience them for yourself.
Pot-Smashing Chaos in Corfu, Greece
What’s going on: On Holy Saturday in Corfu Town, locals hurl enormous clay pots (botides) from their balconies to smash in the streets below. It’s loud, it’s theatrical, and it draws crowds like a summer festival.
Why it happens: Some say it’s meant to scare off evil spirits before the Resurrection. Others trace it back to old Venetian spring-cleaning customs. Either way, the thunderous sound of pottery shattering has become the island’s signature Easter experience.
When to go: Plan to be there for Holy Week, particularly Saturday morning around 11am when the first pot drops. Get there early for a good view—locals know the best balconies, but travelers crowd the square beneath.
Travel tip: Corfu is also stunning in spring, with wildflowers blooming and the Ionian Sea just starting to warm up. Combine the Easter spectacle with a road trip around the island’s quieter villages
Easter Witches of Finland
What’s going on: In Finnish and Swedish-speaking parts of Finland, Easter Sunday brings out young children dressed as witches—scarves on their heads, painted freckles, and coffee pots or copper pans in hand.
Why it happens: It’s a unique blend of Christian and pre-Christian folklore. In older beliefs, the period around Easter was thought to be a time when evil forces, including witches, were especially active. Over time, that merged with a practice similar to Halloween: kids go door to door offering blessings in return for sweets.
When to go: The witching hour begins on Palm Sunday in western Finland or Easter Sunday in other areas. It’s not a national event, but it’s lively in cities like Turku or small villages where the tradition remains strong.
Travel tip: If you’re into quirky customs and offbeat folklore, Easter is a great excuse to combine Helsinki with a side trip to the Åland Islands or Turku’s archipelago.
Fire and Faith in Florence, Italy
What’s going on: A towering cart packed with fireworks is dragged by oxen through the streets of Florence to the Duomo. There, a mechanical dove ignites the whole thing. It’s called the Scoppio del Carro, or “Explosion of the Cart.”
Why it happens: The tradition dates back nearly 1,000 years, supposedly to the First Crusade. A Florentine knight returned with a stone from the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The resulting ritual was meant to symbolize peace, prosperity, and the light of the Resurrection.
When to go: Easter Sunday morning is when it all kicks off, usually around 11am. The best place to see it is right outside the Florence Cathedral.
Travel tip: Combine it with a springtime Tuscan itinerary. The hills are green, the vineyards are just waking up, and you’ll dodge the summer crowds in Italy.
Giant Omelette in Haux, France
What’s going on: In the small town of Haux, near Bordeaux, a giant omelette—made with more than 15,000 eggs—is cooked in a huge pan in the town square and served to locals and visitors.
Why it happens: Legend has it that Napoleon once passed through the region and was so fond of the local omelettes that he ordered one large enough to feed his whole army. The tradition stuck, and now it’s a community event.
When to go: Easter Monday is omelette day in Haux. It’s free, cheerful, and a great way to see a side of France not found in glossy brochures.
Travel tip: Pair Haux with a visit to nearby Saint-Émilion for wine tasting, or base yourself in Bordeaux and take a day trip out.
Whipped Into Spring in the Czech Republic & Slovakia
What’s going on: On Easter Monday, young men in parts of the Czech Republic and Slovakia roam the streets with braided willow switches, lightly whipping women on the legs. In return, they get decorated eggs—or shots of plum brandy.
Why it happens: Known as pomlázka (Czech) or korbáč (Slovak), the ritual is said to promote health, beauty, and fertility for the women. While it may sound shocking to outsiders, it’s generally done in a playful spirit, and many women participate with good humor.
When to go: This takes place only on Easter Monday. The countryside tends to be more traditional, so visit small towns or villages for the full experience.
Travel tip: Prague and Bratislava both offer Easter markets with folk crafts and local food. Rent a car or hop a train to explore the rural areas where these customs are still alive.
Easter Bilbies in Australia
What’s going on: Instead of the Easter Bunny, Australians have the Easter Bilby, a small, long-eared marsupial native to the outback.
Why it happens: Rabbits are considered an invasive species in Australia, responsible for ecological damage. To raise awareness and support for native species, conservationists and chocolate makers began promoting the bilby as a better alternative.
When to go: You won’t see Easter parades with bilbies, but you can find chocolate bilbies in major supermarkets and specialty shops in the weeks leading up to Easter.
Travel tip: If you’re visiting Australia over Easter, take the chance to explore some of the country’s national parks—like Kakadu or the Blue Mountains—when the weather is cooler and more manageable.
Wet and Wild in Poland’s Śmigus-Dyngus
What’s going on: Easter Monday in Poland turns into a nationwide water fight. Known as Śmigus-Dyngus, the tradition involves buckets, squirt guns, or anything else that can soak someone.
Why it happens: The custom has roots in Slavic spring rites and was later tied to Christian beliefs about cleansing and renewal. It’s also seen as a playful courting ritual—especially among teenagers and young adults.
When to go: Easter Monday is when it all goes down. Don’t expect to stay dry if you’re in a public square or walking through a park.
Travel tip: Kraków and Warsaw are good base cities, but rural areas often take the tradition even further. Dress appropriately—and waterproof your gear.
Final Thoughts: Travel Easter, Not Just Celebrate It
There’s something deeply human about the way Easter is celebrated across cultures. Whether it’s playful or profound, noisy or reflective, the holiday is a lens through which communities express identity, hope, and the rhythm of spring’s return. For travelers, Easter offers a rare mix: ancient traditions still practiced with energy and pride, combined with the gentle bloom of early-season landscapes and fewer crowds.
So next year, instead of staying home with a chocolate bunny, consider chasing down a firework-filled cart in Florence or dodging water balloons in Kraków. You’ll come home with stories that no brunch table could ever serve.
