Feasting For Easter, A Journey Through Global Cuisines

Tastes Of Easter, A Culinary Trip Across Cultures

Easter is a season rich in tradition, and food plays a central role in how people around the world celebrate. Different regions have unique cuisines that not only reflect their cultures but also carry symbolic meanings tied to the Easter story. Across the globe, from simple local dishes to elaborate feasts, Easter meals bring families and communities together to mark the end of Lent and the beginning of a new season of hope.

In Kenya and other parts of Africa, Easter meals are often a vibrant mix of traditional and contemporary foods. Nyama choma (grilled meat) becomes a centerpiece, usually enjoyed alongside ugali (a maize meal) and sukuma wiki (collard greens). Some communities prepare special dishes like pilau — a spiced rice meal — to mark the occasion. Fish is also popular, especially for those observing Good Friday traditions. Meals are often shared with extended family, making Easter not just a religious celebration but also a social event full of laughter and togetherness.

In Europe, Easter cuisine varies widely from country to country, each adding its own flavor to the season. In Italy, families gather for lamb roasts and enjoy sweet treats like Colomba di Pasqua, a dove-shaped cake symbolizing peace. In Greece, Easter Sunday is marked with a feast of roast lamb, red-dyed eggs, and sweet bread called Tsoureki. Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, traditional dishes include hot cross buns, spiced with cinnamon and decorated with a symbolic cross, and roast dinners with lamb or beef served alongside potatoes and vegetables.

The Americas also bring a rich diversity to Easter celebrations, blending indigenous, European, and modern influences. In Mexico, Easter meals often include bacalao (salted cod), tamales, and capirotada, a spiced bread pudding made with cinnamon, cloves, and cheese. In the United States, many families enjoy baked ham, deviled eggs, and an assortment of spring vegetables like asparagus and peas. Easter brunches have also become popular, featuring everything from pancakes and waffles to fruit salads and pastries.

No matter where or how it’s celebrated, Easter food is a joyful expression of culture, faith, and community. Whether it’s a simple meal shared at home or a lavish feast with extended family, the dishes served during Easter are steeped in tradition and meaning. As people around the world gather to celebrate renewal and hope, the variety of cuisines highlights the beautiful diversity of the human experience during this sacred season.