Book a Fascinating Easter Break with Booking.com’s Traditions from Around the World
Like the ever changing date of the Easter holidays, why not switch up your celebrations this year and mark the occasion with a different country’s tradition? Booking.com, the global leader in connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, explores the different ways Easter is celebrated around the world.
From the oldest Mardi Gras festival in the world to street parades in Seville, decorated trees with painted eggs in Berlin, carnival festivities in Rio, an Easter egg race at the White House, the “Easter Bilby” in Sydney and a Canadian rave party, why not make Easter 2018 (Sunday 1 April) a different way to celebrate the otherwise customary Easter festivities?
Nice, France
Easter is widely celebrated throughout France, referred to as Paques. Venture to Nice for the holiday where you will find the oldest Mardi Gras carnival in the world, which takes place every year the day before Ash Wednesday (14 February, 2018). Full of colourful floats, street parades, the famous flower show, music and dancing. Translating as ‘fat Tuesday’ the festival is a day to celebrate the last day of eating and drinking to your heart’s content before lent, which is called Le Carême.
Where to stay: After celebrating at the world’s oldest Mardi Gras festival, have a relaxing stay at Beautiful apartment by the sea front. Boasting gorgeous sea views and an ideal location with the Russian Orthodox Cathedral just a short walk away. Or for something a little more modern there is the art and design museum (MAMAC) just a short drive away.
Berlin, Germany
An Easter tradition throughout Germany is to decorate trees with hollowed-out and painted eggs, a fun activity for the whole family to enjoy. Germans refer to Easter as Ostern and the custom of boiling and painting eggs dates back to Anglo-Saxon times. Top nationalities that booked a trip to Berlin over the past year include British, Italian and Dutch. Top types of accommodation booked are hotels, hostels and guest houses. Top endorsements by Booking.com travellers are history, sightseeing and museums.
Where to stay: Centrally located in Berlin, the Generator Berlin Mitte hostel is a stylish, yet affordable accommodation option. Ideally located with the Oranienburger Strasse S-Bahn Train Station and Oranienburger Tor U-Bahn Metro just 550 yards away, perfect for exploring all Berlin has to offer. Berlin’s Alexanderplatz Square, historic Hackesche Höfe courtyards and Brandenburg Gate are all within a short walk of the hostel.
Washington, D.C., United States
Arguably one of the most famous Easter celebrations across the United States is held at one of the most prominent houses in the country, the White House. The US President hosts the annual Easter egg roll on the White House Lawn on Easter Monday and the tradition is believed to date back to the early 19th-century. Popular travellers to Washington D.C. include British, Chinese and German and must see sites include the town’s museums, monuments and learning about its rich history, according to Booking.com travellers. During your stay why not opt for a hotel, hostel or apartment stay, as these are the top types of accommodation booked in Washington, D.C. by Booking.com travellers.
Where to stay: Located on Pennsylvania Avenue, just 550 yards from the White House, is the prestigious Willard InterContinental Washington. This historic and luxurious hotel contains the sought after Red Door Spa, provides limo service and the delicious Café du Parc serves traditional French fare.
Sydney, Australia
Many nationalities often conjure up pictures of bunnies and chicks when they think of Easter, however in Australia rabbits are considered as pests. Therefore, most Australian children celebrate the “Easter Bilby” instead of the well-known “Easter Bunny.” If you find yourself in Sydney during the Easter holidays then a trip to the Royal Sydney Opera House is a must, home to the Sydney Royal Easter Show. This two-week long show is where farming communities showcase their crops and livestock and is considered the biggest Easter show across the country. Top nationalities that booked a trip to Sydney over the past year include Chinese, British and Kiwi. Top types of accommodation booked are hotels, apart-hotels and hostels. Top endorsements by Booking.com travellers are sightseeing, harbours and shopping.
Where to stay: Boasting access to an indoor heated lap pool, the beautiful Meriton Suites North Sydney are also home to a fitness centre, spa and sauna. Greenwood Plaza is a short walk away and offer a vast selection of cafes and eateries.
Montreal, Canada
For something a little more modern, head to Montreal this Easter holiday for a huge rave party, Bal en Blanc, which takes place every year on Easter Sunday. However, if you’re after something a little quieter, head to the Winter Carnival which is another major Easter festivity in Canada. Held in Quebec City, the carnival consists of sporting events such as skating, skiing and tobogganing.
Where to stay: Stay in the heart of Montreal at the M Montreal Hostel, ideally located for travellers looking to party at the Bal en Blanc this Easter. Before the party meet like-minded travellers in the shared kitchen or common dining area, or start off the celebrations with a drink at the youth hostel’s on-site bar. Sainte-Catherine Street, full of fun bars and restaurants and Berri-UQAM metro station, are both also a short walk away perfect for exploring the city.