It's almost time for one of the biggest Christian holidays - so why not make a trip out of it?
It's almost time for one of the biggest Christian holidays - so why not make a trip out of it?
Instead of spending this year doing the same old Easter egg hunt in your backyard, head to Europe and experience some of the oldest traditions and elaborate religious processions.
From firework displays to hand painted Easter eggs and delicious festive food, here are five of the best European countries to visit for Easter celebrations!
1. Florence, Italy
Florence sets the stage for one of the most dramatic Easter celebrations in the world. Scoppio del Carro is a tradition that dates back over 350 years and sees a float pulled across the city by two white oxen. Over 150 soldiers, musicians and revellers follow the parade in full 15th-century dress.
But that's not the end of the celebrations. After singing Gloria in in Excelsis in Easter Mass, the archbishop lights fuse that ignites the fireworks display inside the float that lasts for 20-minutes.
2. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Croatia is one of the most religious countries in Europe. During their Easter celebrations, a procession of the Cross of Good Friday and gift giving takes place.
Locals also eat a special cake called pinca on Easter morning and on Palm Sunday, it's tradition to wear plaited palm leaves to church.
So make sure you join in on the fun to get the full Croatian Easter experience!
3. Seville, Spain
Image : http://bartapassevilla.com/
One of Spain's most important religious celebrations takes place over Easter. Semana Santa de Sevilla also known as Holy Week features a procession of floats of wooden sculptures and images of the grieving Virgin Mary.
But the most impressive part is the hundreds of penitents from 70 different church brotherhoods (cofradias) that join the parade. Each cofradias where their traditional robes and tall, pointed hoods, designed to hide their faces so they can repent without being recognised.
4. Lourdes, France
Lourdes is home to one of the most attended religious sites in the world. Each year during Easter celebrations, pilgrims make a torchlit procession down the street and meditate the Rosary prayers.
The town also organises an Easter egg hunt at the top of Pic du Jer, making Lourdes an ideal choice if you're travelling with children.
5. Prague, Czech Republic
If you love markets, the Prague Easter Market should not be missed.
It takes place every day from March 21 to April 12 at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. You'll find hand-painted Easter eggs, local Czech specialities to try and other handmade crafts.
On "Green Thursday", young boys take to the streets shaking wooden rattles. It's a tradition that's believed to ward of Judas.
Don't forget to pack something red. Czechs wear it at Easter Time to symbolise happiness, health and new life.
Which of these European countries will you be travelling to this year for their Easter celebrations?