Easter is one of the most widely celebrated holidays worldwide, marking a time of renewal, family gatherings, and, of course, indulgence in delicious treats—especially chocolate! While the essence of Easter remains rooted in themes of hope and rebirth, the customs and traditions associated with it vary greatly from country to country. Let’s explore some of the unique ways Easter is celebrated around the world and uncover why chocolate plays such a significant role in this beloved holiday ...

Easter Traditions Across the Globe

1. Italy – Lavish Feasts and Colomba di Pasqua

In Italy, Easter is celebrated with grand feasts and a deep sense of religious devotion. The holiday begins with solemn processions and culminates in a family meal featuring lamb, artichokes, and a traditional dove-shaped cake called Colomba di Pasqua. Chocolate eggs, often filled with surprises, are also a highlight for children and adults alike.

2. Germany – The Easter Tree (Ostereierbaum)

Germans have a charming Easter tradition of decorating trees and bushes with colourful eggs, known as Ostereierbaum. These beautifully adorned trees symbolize new life and the arrival of spring. Additionally, families exchange chocolate bunnies and eggs, with many indulging in handmade confections from local chocolatiers. If you're looking for a New Zealand-made chocolate delight, our Classic Macadamia Bark is a perfect nod to this handmade tradition.

3. France – Giant Chocolate Bells

In France, Easter eggs are not just the main attraction—chocolate bells also take centre stage! According to tradition, church bells remain silent from Good Friday to Easter Sunday, symbolizing mourning. When the bells “return” on Easter morning, they are said to bring chocolate treats for children. French patisseries create exquisite chocolate bells and eggs, making Easter a truly indulgent affair. For your own Easter indulgence, try our Truffle Medley— a refined assortment of handcrafted chocolate truffles that, while round, still echo the joy and decadence of the French Easter bells.

4. Greece – Red Eggs and Sweet Bread

Greek Orthodox Easter, often celebrated later than Western Easter, is marked by a variety of customs, including tsoureki (a sweet, braided bread) and red-dyed eggs, which symbolize the blood of Christ and rebirth. While chocolate eggs are becoming more popular, traditional dyed eggs are still the mainstay of Greek Easter celebrations.  For a modern chocolate treat with a bold visual twist, our Very Berry Toffee Crunch features red cranberries standing out beautifully against creamy white chocolate—a sweet way to celebrate new life and colour.

 

5. Australia – The Easter Bilby

In Australia, where conservation is a major concern, the traditional chocolate bunny has some competition—the Easter Bilby! Since rabbits are an invasive species in Australia, the native bilby, an endangered marsupial, has become a symbol of Easter. Many chocolate brands produce bilby-shaped chocolates, with proceeds supporting wildlife conservation efforts. For those looking to combine sustainability with sweetness, our Macadamia Brittle is made with Australian-grown macadamias and crafted with care in small batches right here in New Zealand.

 

6. Mexico – Passion Plays and Cascarones

Easter in Mexico is a vibrant and deeply religious occasion, celebrated over two weeks (Semana Santa and Pascua). Passion plays reenact the story of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, while families enjoy cascarones—colourful, hollowed-out eggs filled with confetti. While chocolate eggs are enjoyed, traditional sweets like capirotada (a spiced bread pudding) also play a big role in the festivities.  Love a bit of spice?  Our Lemon Salt Pepper Macadamias offer a zesty, peppery kick—perfect for those who like their Easter treats with a bold twist.

Why is Chocolate an Easter Staple?

Chocolate has been intertwined with Easter celebrations for centuries, and its popularity can be attributed to a combination of historical, religious, and cultural factors.

Symbolism of Eggs – Eggs have long been a symbol of fertility, new life, and rebirth, making them a natural fit for Easter celebrations. Over time, chocolate replaced traditional dyed or decorated eggs, thanks to advancements in confectionery techniques.

Lenten Fasting and Feasting – Historically, Lent was a time of fasting and abstinence from rich foods, including dairy and sugar. When Easter arrived, it marked the end of this period, leading to celebratory feasts and the indulgence in luxurious foods like chocolate. Our Macadamia Butter Toffee Crunch—rich, buttery, and coated in premium chocolate—is just the kind of treat that perfectly marks the end of Lent.

The Rise of Chocolate Making – By the 19th century, European chocolatiers had perfected the art of moulding chocolate into intricate shapes, leading to the creation of chocolate eggs, bunnies, and other festive figures. Today, these treats are a global Easter staple.  At Makana Confections, we take a slightly different approach—eschewing moulds in favour of traditional handcrafting methods. From rolling and dipping to careful packing, every piece is made by hand to ensure it looks and tastes exceptional.

 

A Sweet Celebration for All

Whether through age-old religious customs, colourful cultural traditions, or simply the joy of sharing chocolate, Easter continues to be a holiday that brings people together worldwide. No matter where you are, one thing is certain—Easter wouldn’t be the same without a little bit (or a lot!) of chocolate.

How do you and your family celebrate Easter? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to check out our special Easter range at Makana Confections for a taste of chocolatey tradition. And if you're after something timeless and crowd-pleasing, our Chocolate Dipped Macadamia Shortbread is always a winner—at Easter or any time of year!