Wacky Springtime and Easter Traditions around Europe
Rachael Horner March 15, 2023
Rachael Horner March 15, 2023
Springtime is the perfect time to set sail on an adventure and explore new horizons.
With DFDS ferries, you and your loved ones can experience the trip of a lifetime with the complete freedom of travelling abroad with your car – meaning you can buy as much chocolate as you like and not worry about baggage restrictions on the way back!
If you’re looking to add a unique flair your European getaway this Easter, immerse yourself in the local customs – some of which might come as quite a surprise! From colourful parades to communal meals, check out our favourite Easter and springtime traditions below.
If you’re looking for an egg-cellent way to celebrate spring in France, look no further than the Giant Omelette tradition! Originating from a small village in southwest France called Bessières, this unique celebration involves cracking and mixing thousands of eggs into one giant omelette.
Each year during Easter week, locals gather together to cook up this massive dish that can feed over 1,000 people – talk about an eggs-travagant feast! The recipe is simple but requires plenty of manpower; it takes more than 4,500 eggs and several dozen volunteers to help prepare and flip the omelette. This incredible French tradition is sure to be an unforgettable experience for all involved!
Thinking of having a boogie in Berlin over Easter? Think again! In Germany, Good Friday is a solemn day of remembrance and respect for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In fact, it’s so serious that dancing on this day is illegal in 13 out of 16 states!
Venues that host gatherings that violate the ban can be fined more than £1,000. The strange ban originates from the medieval Catholic tradition of holding vigils and fasting on this day. During this time, all forms of entertainment, music, and dancing were strictly prohibited to respect the gravity of the holiday. As a result, these traditions are still actively enforced in certain parts of Germany today.
Every Spring Bank Holiday, the United Kingdom celebrates an undeniably strange yet captivating tradition – Cheese Rolling. This ancient event involves competitors chasing after a wheel of cheese down an incredibly steep hill known as Cooper’s Hill, in Gloucester. The first person to reach the bottom wins the cheese!
It sounds simple enough but it’s definitely not for the faint-hearted – you have to be brave and agile to make it down with no mishaps and your prize intact. Why not gather up your friends this year and take part in one of Britain’s most bizarre traditions?
The Netherlands is renowned for its beautiful tulips and other colourful flowers, which makes it the perfect place to celebrate springtime. A great way to do this is by attending a Bloemencorso (flower parade) – an event that takes place throughout Holland during the months of April and May.
Bloemencorso celebrates Dutch culture with vibrant displays of flower-filled floats, live music and performances, as well as plenty of food stalls selling delicious snacks. It’s a fun-filled day out for all ages! From magnificent floral arrangements to traditional dance performances, Bloemencorso is truly a feast for the senses!
If you’re planning a trip to Poland this spring, be prepared for some wet and wild fun! Every year on the Monday after Easter Sunday, Polish people celebrate Å›migus-dyngus (Wet Monday).
It used to be custom to sprinkle young women with perfumed water during śmigus-dyngus, but nowadays the tradition has evolved into massive water battles in the street between anyone who wants to get involved.
Whilst in England, Cheese Rolling is a customary springtime tradition, they play things a little safer in Scotland. Every year around the time of Easter, people gather to roll eggs down a hill in various competitions. The person whose egg goes furthest without breaking wins! If you fancy a bit of competitive family fun this Spring, don’t miss out on egg rolling.
From Cheese Rolling in the United Kingdom to Giant Omelettes in France, Egg Rolling in Scotland and National Water Fights in Poland, Europe is filled with unique springtime and Easter traditions that are sure to create lasting memories. Whether you’re looking for a wacky adventure or simply want to experience something new this year, there’s no shortage of interesting events taking place all over Europe during Spring!
So why not plan your own European getaway today? With DFDS ferries providing flexible travel options at competitive prices, it’s never been easier to explore some of these amazing cultures and their fascinating customs – so what are you waiting for? Take a look at our latest offers and start planning your trip now!
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