Whether you enjoy the Easter holiday for its religious significance or simply for the eggs and bunnies, there are plenty of fun places to celebrate this iconic springtime holiday. Try one of these unique destinations for an Easter getaway.
Semana Santa in Madrid
The Semana Santa is Holy Week and one of the primary religious celebrations in Madrid, where Easter traditions have existed since the 15th century. There are many parades — as many as 20 in one week! — and traditional ceremonies that ensure you will have something to do every day that you’re there.
If you’re looking for Easter to be a cultural learning experience, Madrid’s Semana Santa is an excellent choice.
White House Egg Roll in Washington, D.C
This year will be the 136th annual White House Easter Egg Roll, a tradition since 1878. The Easter Egg Roll isn’t just a great event for the kids: 30,000 adults and children are expected to assemble on the south lawn to join in the fun.
The event features live music, storytelling, cooking stations, and more. You can also pick up a souvenir egg to prove you spent Easter hanging out on the President of the United States’ lawn!
Good Friday and Easter Week processions in Rome
The days leading up to Easter are often filled with religious ceremonies with longstanding traditions, rituals, and high-energy celebrations. If Easter is a religious holiday for you, consider spending it in Rome.
Dramatic processions are a highlight of Easter in Rome, including a 24-hour-long Good Friday procession known as Misteri di Trapani. Many towns hold live Easter plays, and the Pope celebrates mass in St. Peter’s Square.
Red Rocks Sunrise Service in Denver
Many places have sunrise services to celebrate Easter. One of those is perhaps most notable for its location: Red Rocks, the stunningly beautiful outdoor amphitheater near Denver, Colo. There’s free admission and parking, although a donation of non-perishable foods is requested.
The Reverend Dr. Jim Ryan has been holding this service for over 13 years, and this is to be his final Easter service. More than 10,000 people attend every year.
Whether you want a spiritual journey, a cultural and educational experience, or simply a fun trip this spring, a visit to one these destinations might be just the thing to help you shake off the winter blues and get ready for summer.