A Cracking Easter Break: Five Eggcellent Traditions from Around the Globe
Eggs have become synonymous with Easter celebrations as a symbol of birth and fertility. History suggests that after the period of lent, where eating eggs was forbidden, tucking into one at the end at Easter was quite the treat. Today, Easter traditions vary around the globe. So for those travelers who are looking to celebrate during the long weekend this Easter, and the 16% of global travelers* who are looking to be pushed outside of their comfort zone and experience something on their travels that is truly unique and exciting, we have compiled a list of unique traditions and how they have cracked local celebrations with this list of eggcellent and quirky celebrations around the world.
Racing Eggs – Tredozio, Italy
Every year in this small village in the province of Forlì-Cesena in Italy, the term ‘runny eggs’ takes on a whole new meaning! The Palio dell'uovo – or Egg Olympics, as it is also known as – consists of two days of egg-citing challenges and events held on Easter Sunday and Monday (March 31 and April 1 this year). Events include egg throwing, egg hunting and egg racing, all while challenging participants to not break their delicate egg. The first contest was held in 1964 and now has over 300 volunteers hosting the annual celebration. Tredozio, which is located in the heart of the Apennines and the Emilia-Romagna region, is surrounded by glorious hiking trails and, for the adventurous, nearby volcanic Monte Busca is worth a visit. Visitors can also take in the metropolitan city of Bologna, under a two-hour drive away, on a Guided City Walking Tour visiting the Basilica of San Petronio and sampling local delicacies at the Quadrilatero market.
Where to stay: Travelers can race to nearby Modigliana to find a sumptuous stay nestled in the greenery at Agriturismo Ceriano. Located just a short drive north from the town of Tredozio and its racing eggs, this farmstay is surrounded by the green hills of the Appennino Tosco-Romagnolo. This converted farm offers comfortable accommodation with its own pool for guests to enjoy. With its own organic produce on offer at the Restaurant Orto biologico, visitors will no doubt get to sample eggs too this Easter, which are also included in the traditional, handmade fresh pasta on offer; cappelletti, tortelli, strozzapreti, garganelli and passatelli.
Washi Eggs – Hamada, Japan
Although Easter isn’t historically celebrated in Japan, the tradition of decorating eggs has been embraced by many in a fusion of cultures. Washi eggs are commonly decorated around Easter time using Japanese washi paper, glue and varnish. The eggs are adorned with beautiful designs using washi paper (the same kind for paper used for Origami) to create stunning decorations and ornaments. Washi paper was introduced to Japanese culture in 610 AD and first produced in the ancient Sekishu region of Japan. Today this region is known as the region of Shimane and is the perfect spot for a Japanese jaunt this Easter. On the coast of the Shimane Prefecture in the city of Hamada travelers will find the Sekishu Washi Center where they host Sekishu Washi paper making workshops.
Where to stay: A short drive from the Sekishu Washi Center and Hamada, further along the coast of the Shimane Prefecture in the small seafront city of Masuda, the MASCOS HOTEL Masuda Onsen offers sleek accommodation with its own genuine natural hot spring. The hotel spa boasts a hot spring that is drawn from the source that flows from deep under the ground of the property, as well as relaxation spaces and book corners for guests to enjoy. Its onsite bar and restaurant serve locally sourced produce, as well as local liquors produced in the rice-producing areas of the broader Shimane region.
Giant Omelette – Bessieres, France
For those who prefer their eggs cooked rather than decorated, the Giant Omelette Brotherhood of Bessieres in southwestern France is the place to go. Every year on Easter Monday, around 50 volunteers in this small village make one giant 15,000 egg omelette for thousands of observers to enjoy. The tradition is said to stem from Napoleon’s visit to the area, who enjoyed his omelette so much that he asked for a giant version to be prepared for his troops. A delicious omelette isn’t all that is on the menu with a visit to Bessieres, nearby, in under an hour’s drive, Toulouse is a must-see for foodies. A Marché Victor Hugo Small Group Food Tour will serve visitors up a taste of French cuisine at Toulouse's largest covered market, including local cheese, charcuterie, foie gras and bread.
Where to stay: Located just 20 minutes from Toulouse and a short drive from Bessieres and its omelettes, Villa Toscane - Atelier d'Artistes et B&B à 20 mn de Toulouse offers charming B&B style accommodation with a private pool and garden views. This stay offers locally sourced food as part of its continental breakfast offering. For those traveling with children, the property boasts a play area, as well as table tennis for adults and children alike.
Rolling Eggs – Stockholm, Sweden
On Påskafton (Easter Saturday), many families in Sweden will gather with family and loved ones to mark the occasion. While there, they’ll also often dabble in an egg-citing tradition; egg rolling. Decorated eggs form the basis for this unique game and are rolled down roof tiles propped up at an angle on the floor. Those whose egg goes the furthest or doesn’t break during their roll, are deemed the winner. While this tradition occurs across the country, the country’s capital makes an ideal Easter destination. An archipelago of more than 14 islands makes up this stunning city of cobblestones and bridges. Visitors to Stockholm can not only partake in egg rolling, but also visit the Skansen Open-air Museum. Each year an Easter Market is set up with handcrafted items, typical Swedish food and Easter candy on offer.
Where to stay: For those looking for a central base on their trip to Stockholm, Gamla Stan is the city’s old town and is made up of colourful 17th and 18th century buildings along the cobbled streets. The Gamla Stan Apartments boast not only this central location, but offers chic accommodation with fully equipped kitchens, living space and dining area, comprising the perfect home from home.
Cascarones – Mazatlán, México
Although not technically part of the Pascua (Easter) celebrations in Mexico, Cascarones, brightly colored eggs that have been hollowed out and filled with confetti, small toys or candy, are a popular feature during Carnaval in the lead up to Ash Wednesday. Carnaval celebrates the last indulgence ahead of the 40 days and nights of fasting during lent. The Cascarones are thrown and broken in the air by people of all ages during the celebrations. Many cities in Mexico celebrate Carnaval, but the biggest celebration, and one that famously had Cascarones at its inaugural party, takes place in the sandy resort town of Mazatlán. Visitors can take in the sights on a Mazatlán - City Tour, visiting hill-side look outs that allow a panoramic view of the city before visiting the historic center and its historic buildings along narrow streets.
Where to stay: Just a few steps from the Cerritos beach, guests can check in at the Brujas Tower Beach Resort. This apartment stay provides guests with a terrace and sea views, as well as on-site tennis courts. This Booking.com Travel Proud property offers all guests a welcome stay to its complex, but in particular those LGBTQ+ travelers looking for a home away from home to enjoy the Carnaval festivities.
*Travel Predictions 2024 research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. In total, 27,730 respondents across 33 countries and territories were polled (including 1008 from Argentina, 1012 from Australia, 505 from Austria, 1001 from Belgium, 1002 from Brazil, 1009 from Canada, 1009 from China, 1002 from Colombia, 508 from Croatia, 504 from Denmark, 1011 from France, 1011 from Germany, 1016 from Hong Kong, 1004 from India, 510 from Ireland, 504 from Israel, 1014 from Italy, 1004 from Japan, 1009 from Mexico, 1014 from The Netherlands, 1015 from New Zealand, 500 from Portugal, 502 from Singapore, 1010 from South Korea, 1009 from Spain, 502 from Sweden, 507 from Switzerland, 504 from Taiwan, 1003 from Thailand, 502 from the UAE, 1007 from the UK, 1005 from the US and 1007 from Vietnam). Respondents completed an online survey in July 2023.