Easter in Eastern Europe

Celebrate Easter with the Countries of Eastern Europe

Easter in Eastern Europe Easter in Eastern Europe and East Central Europe is a huge 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 Orthodox religious celebrations adhere to. Orthodox Easter falls (typically one week) later than Catholic Easter.

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 you will 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 Julian calendar as Poland is predominantly a Catholic nation.

• Easter Eggs from Poland - Pisanki
• Krakow Easter Market
• Easter Bread from Poland – Babka

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 Gregorian calendar.

• Russian Easter Bread – Kulich
• Easter Cheese Dessert – Paska

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.

• Czech Easter Bread – Hoska
• Czech Easter Eggs – Kraslice
• Easter in Prague

Easter in Romania

The majority of Romanians identify with the Orthodox church. Therefore, Romania celebrates Easter according to the Gregorian calendar.

• Romanian Easter Eggs
• Romanian Easter Bread – Cozonac

Easter in Ukraine

Ukraine's Easter is celebrated according to the Orthodox calendar.

• Ukrainian Easter Bread – Paska and Recipe for Paska
• Ukrainian Easter Eggs – Pysanky

Easter in Lithuania

Lithuania, as a predominantly Catholic country, celebrates Easter according to the Julian calendar.

• Lithuanian Easter Bread - Velykos Pyragas
• Lithuanian Easter Eggs – Marguciai

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.

• Slovak Easter Eggs – Wired Easter Eggs
• Bratislava Easter Market

Easter in Bulgaria

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

• Bulgarian Easter Eggs

More Easter in Eastern Europe:

• Croatian Easter Bread - Primorski Uskrsne Bebe
• Serbian Easter Bread
• Slovenian Easter Bread- Velikonocni Kruhki