For travelers seeking unique destinations with deeply-rooted traditions to celebrate Easter this year, we recommend four locations where guests can experience these local Easter traditions and cultural festivities that span generations.
From Antigua’s Holy Week to intimate luaus, travelers can learn how to celebrate Easter in a whole new way with the trip ideas below.
A Colorful and Cultural Easter Holiday at Villa Bokéh in Antigua, Guatemala
Antigua’s Holy Week (Semana Santa) celebrations are renowned across the world for their stunning blend of spirituality and artistry. Throughout the week leading up to Easter Sunday, the city’s cobblestone streets become vibrant processional routes for elaborately adorned religious floats carried by “cucuruchos” – penitents dressed in traditional robes. Communities work for days, sometimes weeks, creating intricate alfombras (colored sawdust carpets) that depict religious imagery, local symbols, and vibrant patterns. These ephemeral artworks are swept away by the processions themselves, a poignant reminder of impermanence and devotion. For visitors, Semana Santa in Antigua offers a multi-sensory experience: the scent of incense drifting across plazas, the sound of marching brass bands, and the sight of candlelight illuminating centuries-old churches against the backdrop of volcanoes. Just minutes from Antigua’s iconic Parque Central, Villa Bokéh offers an elevated yet heartfelt way to celebrate Easter that pairs seamlessly with the city’s cultural rhythms. Set on a lush six-acre garden estate, Villa Bokéh is known for its botanical beauty, tranquil courtyards, and design that reflects Guatemala’s vibrant spirit. Each year, Villa Bokéh’s Easter Sunday Brunch Celebration draws both locals and travelers seeking an elegant but joyful holiday gathering. The brunch highlights seasonal local flavors, creative presentations, and a festive atmosphere that complements the reflective tone of the week’s earlier rituals. It’s a chance to reconnect with loved ones over fresh Guatemalan cuisine in a garden setting that feels both ceremonial and celebratory. For more information about Villa Bokéh’s annual Easter celebrations and the property itself, visit www.villabokeh.com.
Eggs, Hula, and Aloha: An Easter Celebration on Kauai
In Kauai, Easter is hatched with the spirit of aloha, offering a magical celebration for the whole o’hana. From beachfront sunrise services and legendary egg hunts to authentic luaus filled with hula and Hawaiian music, the island is the perfect getaway to honor a day centered on life and love. At Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort, guests can enjoy a classic Sunday Easter Brunch, an onsite egg hunt for the keikis, photos with the Aloha Bunny, and the island’s most intimate luau in its traditional pavilion. For families who want even more fun, hop on one of the resort’s complimentary bikes and cruise into Kapa’a to join the local community for their beloved egg hunt at Kapa’a Beach Park hosted by Kapa’a Assembly of God Church, which is free for everyone to enjoy.
Proverb-Filled Páskaeggs at Hotel Rangá in Iceland
Easter–or Páskar, as it’s known in Icelandic–is a time for rest and relaxation. Families gather to enjoy a delicious feast and of course, eat lots of chocolate. Icelanders have a few special traditions during this holiday, but the most popular is certainly chocolate Easter eggs. About three weeks before Easter, páskaeggs beloved by both kids and grown-ups alike and ranging in size from as small as a chicken egg to as big as a human head, begin to appear in the country’s supermarkets. These delicious treats are filled with various sweets, alongside strips of paper with traditional proverbs or sayings–similar to the ones you find in fortune cookies. On Easter weekend, Hotel Rangá invites its guests to take part in this Icelandic tradition, providing páskaeggs for all ages. The hotel team is on hand to help translate, although even Icelanders don’t always understand the proverbs’ cryptic sayings!
Easter in Napa Valley: Faith, Fellowship, and Spring Renewal
In Napa Valley, Easter blends spiritual reflection with the season’s renewal. At The Meritage Resort & Spa, visitors can attend Easter Sunday Mass on property, offering travelers a meaningful way to observe the holiday while away from home. The resort also supports clergy specialty travel, making it a welcoming destination for faith leaders and religious groups seeking retreat or pilgrimage experiences in wine country. Beyond worship, the community gathers for festive traditions including a family-friendly egg hunt, petting zoo, and a grand Easter brunch that brings locals and visitors together to celebrate the season of renewal. Learn more: https://www.meritageresort.com/experience/event-calendar/easter-brunch-and-activities/
