Easter traditions take many different forms around the world from colourful parades to erecting crosses and the fascinating traditions of egg knocking.   To get you in the holiday spirit, here’s a selection of my favourite happenings around the world.  From egg knocking in Romania to Easter parades in New York City – we wish you a very happy Easter.

The Chevin Cross – Easter tradition in Otley

Requiring the manpower of 50 volunteers, the Easter Chevin cross near Otley in Yorkshire was first erected in 1969. Each year, it’s taken up to the top of Otley Chevin Hill and remains in place for four weeks as a potent Easter symbol.  Visible for up to 60 kilometres, the Cross is a powerful reminder of the importance of the Easter story.

New York Easter parade

Each Easter Sunday, the NYC citizens are invited to don their best Easter bonnets in an annual parade along 5th Avenue. While there are no floats or marching bands, you can march in Easter-themed outfits wearing the all-important Easter bonnets. The colourful attire on display ranges from high fashion to animal costumes and civil war garb. Dating back to the 1870s, the parade was immortalised by stage sirens, Fred Astaire and Judy Garland and still today packs them in.  The parade lasts from 10.00 – 4.00pm with the best viewing point from St Patrick’s Cathedral.

Easter Island Spring Festival

While sadly there are no official Easter Island Easter celebrations (that would be too good to be true), the island’s 4000 residents celebrate the arrival of spring every year in early April at the Easter Island Festival. The festival is a colourful celebration of art, music and culture.  While still a fledgling festival, it’s experiencing rapid growth and could be one to watch in the future. Where better to celebrate Easter than Easter Island itself?

San Francisco’s Union Street Easter Parade

Not to be outdone by NYC’s parade, San Francisco’s Union Street Easter parade features the eclectic community of San Francisco in all their finery. The event is held at 2.00pm on Union Street in the Marina District. Prepare to be dazzled by roller-blading cows, sophisticated fashions and classic cars.

Egg knocking in Europe

In Romania, red painted eggs – to represent the blood of Christ – appear all over town at Easter. At this time, it’s customary for the head of the household to knock eggs with visitors and exchange the greeting – Christ has risen. Then, the person who manages to hold onto an unbroken egg is said to enjoy the longest life.

In Bulgaria, adults and children each take eggs and tap them against each other in a similar vein. Traditionally, the winner of the egg tapping contest (whose egg remains uncracked) will enjoy the best health that year. Like in Romania, red takes on a particular significance and the first egg to be painted must be red. This first red egg is preserved and revered as a token of good luck and good health for the year ahead.

In Greece, red eggs also pop up at this time of year. Traditionally, they signify both Christ’s blood and the colour of life. Each Easter Saturday, they’re tapped at midnight to signify the breaking open of Christ’s tomb and his subsequent resurrection.

Makati Good Friday procession in the Philippines

The annual Good Friday procession in the city of Makati in the Philippines is such a huge event that it normally brings the city’s traffic to a standstill. The procession follows a glass tomb, filled with images of Christ and Mother Mary holding a recently crucified Jesus. Typically, this rather sombre march through the city is accompanied by the faithful uttering prayers, singing hymns and holding candles.

Where would you ideally like to spend Easter this year?  Let us know…….