1 week Ago By Nora Johnson
Easter, with its blend of solemnity and festivity, is one of the most fascinating celebrations in the UK and Spain. But beyond the familiar symbols of chocolate eggs and greeting cards lies a world of rich tradition, steeped in history and unique cultural pageantry. In the UK, Easter has long been tied to a mix of Christian and older pagan customs.
The word ‘Easter’ itself is thought to originate from ‘Eostre’, an Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring. Traditional hot-cross buns, with their symbolic cross, are a staple while the somewhat baffling tradition of Morris dancing sees bells, sticks and handkerchiefs take centre stage in certain villages. Most Read on Euro Weekly News Households told to prepare an emergency kit as UK faces energy risks Why I swapped Manchester for Spain - and never looked back Is moving to Spain in 2025 still worth it? Here’s what you really need to know Spain, however, embraces Easter with dramatic intensity.
Holy Week (Semana Santa) is a spectacle of grand processions, penitents in hooded robes (often mistakenly compared with something more sinister), and elaborate ‘pasos’ – floats bearing statues of Christ and the Virgin Mary. The devotion is palpable, particularly in cities like Seville and Málaga, where processions can last for hours, accompanied by sorrowful ‘saetas’ sung from balconies. While both nations mark the resurrection, one does so with quiet reflection and toasted buns, the other with fervent pageantry and solemn marches.
Either way, it’s a time for reflection, tradition – and possibly a well-earned glass of sherry! As ever, many thanks for all emails to my website! So pleased you enjoy my column – and novels! Nora Johnson’s 13 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers, including the latest ‘The Girl across the Lake’ ( www.nora-johnson.net ), all available online at Amazon etc.
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