Easter is full of traditions and celebrations around the world. For some, the week holds religious significance. While for others, it holds more of a cultural significance.
In Europe, many cities have Easter Markets with traditional food and handicrafts. Two of the most famous markets are held in Vienna and Prague. The Prague Easter Markets are held in Old Town Square as well as in Wenceslas Square. This year the market runs from April 5th – April 27th.
During the Easter market, the square is filled with little red roofed buildings that look like fairy-tale cottages. Each one sells different goods such as traditional food (be sure to try a Trdelnik – Czech pastry), glassware, wooden toys, embroidered items, and (my favorite) painted Easter eggs. Here’s a short video I found that explains the Moravian tradition of decorating Easter eggs:
The Easter eggs in the Czech Republic are called Kraslice. Some egg designs are created by using the Batik method while others are created by scratching off the dye to create patterns. Most of the eggs have a geometric pattern, though some have figurines or pastoral scenes.
If you’re thinking about going to the Czech Republic, you have to go in the Spring. Not only is it a time of Easter traditions, but the weather is also just starting to warm up, the countryside is beginning to green, and there aren’t too many tourists crowding the Charles Bridge.
