
Easter is one of those holidays that has the power to gather all the family members in one place. While family gatherings can sometimes come with a few tricky moments, holidays like Easter are really about good food, a cozy atmosphere, and fun traditions that bring everyone together!
And speaking of traditions — did you know different countries celebrate this Christian holiday in some truly unique ways? From painting hard-boiled eggs and hunting for the Easter Bunny to full-on water fights in the streets, Easter customs around the world are all about fun and togetherness.
And when it comes to food, the dishes served vary just as much — with each country putting its own delicious spin on the celebration.
1. United Kingdom 🇬🇧
In the United Kingdom, the star dish of Sunday Easter lunch is roasted lamb, usually served with roasted potatoes or other seasonal veggies. And of course, no Easter meal would be complete without the mint sauce — it’s the finishing touch that ties everything together!
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2.5 kg leg of lamb or larger
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3 lemons juiced
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2 tsp sea salt flakes
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1 tbsp cumin seeds
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1 tbsp coriander seeds
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1 cinnamon stick small
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1 tsp black peppercorns
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150 g full-fat Greek-style natural yogurt
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8 bay leaves
Easter marks the beginning of spring, symbolizing rebirth and the start of new life. In the UK, it’s a chance for families to enjoy time outdoors — whether it’s peaceful walks in nature, laid-back picnics, with kids racing around in search of hidden chocolate eggs.
2. Italy 🇮🇹
Similarly to the United Kingdom, most Italian families gather for Easter lunch to enjoy Agnello al Forno (roasted lamb), often served alongside Torta Pasqualina — a puff pastry pie filled with spinach or chard, ricotta, and several whole baked eggs. The pie is loved all over Italy — and honestly, we get it. It’s not just delicious — it’s a total showstopper.
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30 oz fresh spinach
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1 tbsp olive oil
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2 white onions medium, diced
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1 tsp minced garlic
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15 oz ricotta cheese
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1 cup grated parmesan cheese
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1 tsp kosher salt
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1.5 tsp black pepper
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0.25 tsp nutmeg
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7 eggs large
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2 sheets frozen puff pastry thawed
The Pope delivers his blessing from St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City — a moment watched by millions across Italy and beyond — followed by traditional processions and dazzling firework displays in cities like Florence.
On Easter Monday, Italians like to take it easy. If the weather’s nice, families and friends pack up their Sunday leftovers (because hey — reducing waste is great for the planet) and head outdoors to soak up the warm spring sun.
3. United States 🇺🇸
In the United States, many people consider Easter the most important Christian holiday. They attend Holy Week events like Good Friday and Easter Sunday church services. At the same time, they see Easter as a chance to gather with close family and friends over a delicious brunch or lunch!
Many families center their Easter lunch around baked ham. They often follow it with deviled eggs and side dishes like potato casseroles, sweet breads, and pastries.
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8 pounds spiral-cut ham bone-in fully-cooked
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20 ounce can pineapple tidbits or crushed pineapple
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0.75 cup light brown sugar
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0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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0.25 teaspoon ground cloves
A favorite? Carrot cake — often decorated with candy eggs, chocolate bunnies, or little marzipan carrots. It’s a classic that wins over kids and grown-ups alike!
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1.25 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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0.5 teaspoon nutmeg freshly ground
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0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
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0.25 teaspoon ground ginger
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0.25 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
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0.25 cup oil neutral, such as avocado, grape seed oil or vegetable oil
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0.5 cup granulated sugar
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0.5 cup brown sugar
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2 eggs large
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0.33 cup buttermilk shaken
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1.25 cups carrots grated
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0.75 cup walnuts roughly, chopped
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6 tablespoons unsalted butter cubed
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5 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
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0.5 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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pinch salt
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1.5 cups powdered sugar divided
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2 teaspoons heavy cream
4. The Balkans 🏔️
In the Orthodox parts of the Balkans, the main Easter meal is typically a late breakfast or brunch. That’s because the morning is spent with kids running through the neighborhood, searching for eggs and sweets. The meal begins with a playful competition: each family member picks an egg — dyed on Good Friday — and tries to crack someone else’s. The winner? Whoever’s egg stays uncracked. The prize? Unlimited bragging rights for the day.
As for the dishes served at breakfast — take your pick. Eggs, roasted ham, spring onions, and crunchy radishes are just a few of the staples on the table.
When it comes to dessert, every household has its favorite. One classic? Vanilice — bite-sized sandwich cookies filled with jam. Simple, sweet, and absolutely delicious!
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1.5 c powdered vanilla sugar
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2 c walnut halves
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0.5 c vegetable shortening
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1 stick salted butter softened
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0.75 c sugar
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2 egg yolks large
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2 tsp pure vanilla extract
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1 tsp lemon zest fresh
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2.5 c unbleached all purpose flour
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0.5 c jam apricot or rosehip are traditional
5. Mexico 🇲🇽
In Mexico, the spotlight isn’t on Easter Sunday, but on the entire week leading up to it. During Semana Santa (Holy Week), people celebrate with colorful, meaningful traditions that reflect both their faith and rich cultural heritage. Instead of painting eggs, many decorate their homes and streets with vibrant, hand-made creations that fill communities with holiday spirit.
Many families take Semana Santa off to travel, and schools close for the week too — which explains why it holds a special place in kids’ hearts.
Many families serve Bacalao during this time — a beloved salted codfish stew cooked with potatoes, carrots, and tomatoes. But it’s not the only favorite on the table. Tamales, lime and coriander rice, and shrimp cooked the Mexican way are crowd-pleasers too.
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300 g salted cod
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4 onions cut into half moons
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5 garlic cloves minced
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250 ml olive oil
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1 tin of peeled plum tomatoes
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1 tablespoon Gran Luchito Chipotle Paste
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0.33 cup capers finely chopped
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1 cup pimento stuffed olives
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1 handful parsley leaves freshly chopped
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1 loaf crusty bread cut into slices
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1 jar Gran Luchito jalapeno and pineapple taco topping
No matter where you are in the world, Easter is a moment to pause — to celebrate new beginnings, enjoy time with loved ones, and maybe share a few meaningful (and delicious) traditions. Whether you’re honoring long-standing traditions or just here for the chocolate, we’re wishing you an Easter filled with peace, joy, and plenty of good food!