Culinary traditions during Easter

How is Easter celebrated worldwide? And what is eaten?


It's only a few days until Easter. That of course means we're looking forward to all the delicious food that comes with it! You imagine that wonderful Easter breakfast, the Easter eggs, and of course being together with family and friends. That's what Easter is all about, whether it's an elaborate dinner or a relaxed Easter brunch.

In the Netherlands, we enthusiastically go searching for Easter eggs again, which are, of course, cheerfully decorated first. In the evening, we can relax by a cozy Easter fire, enjoying each other's company and the warmth of the moment. Besides our traditions, every country has its own customs when it comes to Easter.

Spain, Greece, and Sweden

In countries like Spain and Latin America, sweet breads and cakes are traditional during Easter. Greece celebrates with a special meal after mass, where magiritsa, a soup based on avgolemono, plays a starring role. And the whole family comes together on Easter Sunday to enjoy spit-roasted lamb. It's also common for Brazilians to enjoy filled Easter eggs and traditional dishes like bacalhau, salted cod, during Easter. Meanwhile, in Sweden, people enjoy a festive meal with smoked salmon and Jansson's Temptation.

Italy

According to the Italians, the saying goes 'Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi,' meaning Christmas you celebrate with family, Easter with whomever you want. In Italy, Easter is often celebrated outdoors, with everyone welcome to join a delicious picnic on Pasquetta, Easter Monday. Besides Easter eggs, you'll find colomba pasquale everywhere. This sweet cake is somewhat similar to the panettone eaten at Christmas.

England

During Easter, we also decorate our homes and set the table with the cheerful colors associated with Easter. The tradition of decorated Easter branches originally comes from England, introduced by Queen Victoria. For dinner, the English traditionally eat lamb during the Easter meal. The English also love hot cross buns with tea or coffee. They look like currant buns, but with icing on top and are a bit sweeter. Simnel cake often appears on the table as well, a tradition from the Middle Ages. It's a fruity cake with marzipan on top. 

Germany

Our eastern neighbors often decorate their homes with colored chocolate eggs and Easter bunnies. For Easter, they organize Easter markets with beautiful decorations and delicious food. The Easter celebration already begins on the Thursday before, with a traditional breakfast of ham, sausage, and eggs, and for dinner, roasted lamb with asparagus and potatoes, or beef with potato dumplings, red cabbage, spring peas, and carrots is eaten.

Czech Republic

Traditional Czech Easter meals consist of a wide range of seasonal specialties. Easter bread, or Mazanec as it is locally called, is an absolute must in Czech households. Lamb, rolls, eggs, and roasted ham are also common and are best eaten as a main course with traditional side dishes such as sauerkraut and dumplings.

Especially in a world where everything changes quickly, it is important to embrace and cherish traditions. Whether it's sharing family recipes that have been passed down for generations or celebrating centuries-old cultural festivities; traditions form an essential part of our lives. 

It is valuable to preserve the customs of the past, but we can also consciously start new traditions, or give existing traditions a new twist. One thing remains certain: without delicious food, Easter is not complete.

No idea yet what you'll put on the table this weekend? We've got you covered. Order one of these delicious menu options for Easter today.

Relevante menu's