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Easter in Eastern Europe

Celebrate Easter with the Countries of Eastern Europe

By , About.com Guide

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Russian Easter

Russian Easter

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Easter in Eastern Europe and East Central Europe is an enormously important holiday whether those celebrating are Orthodox or Catholic - the two predominant religions in Eastern Europe that celebrate this springtime holiday. Depending upon religious following, Easter is celebrated either according to the Gregorian calendar, which is followed by the West, or the Julian calendar, which is adhered to by Orthodox believers. Typically, Orthodox Easter falls later than Catholic Easter, though on some years Easter is celebrated on the same day by both East and West.

Easter in Eastern Europe is celebrated with special foods, Easter markets, Easter festivals, the decorating of Easter Eggs, and church services. If you happen to travel to the countries in Eastern Europe during this springtime event, you should be aware of some of the local traditions so you can enjoy them all the more. Below, find more information about how the countries of East and East Central Europe celebrate Easter.

Easter in Poland

Easter in Poland is celebrated according to the Western calendar because Poland is predominantly a Catholic nation. Easter celebrations in Krakow are especially popular, and the Easter market there draws large crowds.

Easter in Russia

The majority of Russians consider themselves to be Orthodox whether or not they actively participate in the Church. They celebrate Easter according to the Eastern calendar. Easter games, a special church service, and family activities are a part of Russian Easter observances.

Easter in the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic celebrates Easter according to the Catholic tradition. In Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, visitors and locals alike attend music festivals and Easter markets.

Easter in Hungary

Easter in Hungary is met with the Budapest Spring Festival, which welcomes the warm weather and sunshine with a folk market and special holiday events.

Easter in Romania

The majority of Romanians identify with the Orthodox church. Therefore, Romania celebrates Easter according to the Orthodox calendar. Romanian egg decorating is a coveted art, and Romanians decorate eggs with both the wax-resist method and with tiny seed beads.

Easter in Slovenia

Slovenia celebrates Easter according to the Roman Catholic tradition. Street vendors sell handmade Easter palms and souvenir and art shops offer Easter eggs for purchase.

Easter in Croatia

Croatians celebrate Easter according to Roman Catholic traditions. Zagreb's squares are decorated with larger-than-life Easter eggs and Dubrovnik welcomes the holiday as an excuse to throw a party.

Easter in Ukraine

Ukraine's Easter is celebrated according to the Orthodox calendar. Beautifully decorated Easter eggs are a part of a strong Ukrainian tradition that dates back over 2,000 years.

Easter in Lithuania

Lithuania, as a predominantly Catholic country, celebrates Easter according to the Julian calendar. Lithuanians decorate their own style of Easter egg and enjoy seasonal treats.

Easter in Slovakia

Like their Czech neighbors, Slovaks celebrate Easter according to the Catholic tradition. Their Easter bread is called paska. Decorating Easter eggs with wires is a shared Czech-Slovak tradition.

Easter in Bulgaria

Bulgarians celebrate Orthodox Easter. Bulgarians make Easter bread called kozunak, like the Romanian cozonac.

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