Easter in Australia
Easter in Australia is a religious festival that has its roots in Australia’s Christian European past. It’s certainly not only religious people who celebrate Easter though. The government mandated long weekend (Good Friday & Easter Monday are public holidays) provides a great opportunity for getting away and having a break before winter sets in.
Traditionally many Aussies have organised camping weekends with friends or family, and this tradition doesn’t seem to be declining with the Caravan Industry Association stating that 1.7 million Aussies will be camping over the Easter long weekend.
But if you’re not the camping type there’s no need to feel excluded from the Easter festivities. There are organised events right across the country ranging from the Sydney Royal Easter Show to Bendigo’s Easter Festival. There’s also sporting events and the footy is always a big drawcard.
Easter is a time for catching up with people, sharing meals and visiting. Many families choose to have an annual Easter meal much like Christmas where guests can relax and indulge in some chocolate.
What date is Easter in Australia?
Easter in Australia is a moveable feast, meaning its date changes each year. It is calculated based on the cycles of the moon. Specifically, Easter Sunday is observed on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox, which marks the start of spring in the northern hemisphere. The Church has fixed the date of the vernal equinox as March 21st for this calculation. This means that Easter can fall on any Sunday between March 22nd and April 25th. The method of determining the date ties back to ancient traditions and ensures that Easter aligns with the Jewish holiday of Passover, reflecting the biblical events of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.
Christians and Easter in Australia
Australia has a large Christian population at 44%. Many of these people consider Easter the most important religious event of the year. Easter signifies the end of lent and the resurrection of Jesus—a foundational aspect of the Christian faith. Churches hold various services over the weekend, and this can be a good time to discover or reconnect with the faith.
The symbolism of birth and new life is reflected in the exchange of chocolate and many children wake Sunday morning to find the ‘Easter Bunny’ has left them Easter eggs. Aussies consume a massive amount of chocolate over the Easter period, munching their way through $644 million worth in 2024 so it’s obviously not just the kids enjoying it.
The Easter Bunny
The Easter Bunny is a well-loved character in Easter celebrations across Australia. This cheerful rabbit is believed to deliver eggs and treats to kids, often hiding them for fun-filled Easter egg hunts or leaving them for children to find Easter Sunday morning. While it originates from European traditions, Australians have embraced the Easter Bunny as part of their festive culture. Here, it represents the joy of family gatherings, the excitement of hunting for colorful eggs in gardens or parks, and the broader themes of renewal and new beginnings tied to the season. The Easter Bunny is a delightful addition to Easter, sparking smiles and laughter in Aussie homes every year.
The Easter Bilby
There has been a movement the last few decades to replace the Easter Bunny with the Easter Bilby. This has been because rabbits are a huge environmental issue for Australia and the bilby is a rare species. The cute bilby is a marsupial who has soft grey hair, a long tail, and large ears – well suited to rival the Easter Bunny.
Chocolate isn’t the only food to be enjoyed during Easter. Hot cross buns are another staple delight. These delicious sweetly spiced fruit- buns are often served hot with a copious amount of butter. No calorie counting over this weekend.
Support Aussie chocolate manufacturers this Easter. CLICK the links in our blog post Do Australians Love Chocolate?
How should I do Easter in Australia?
Easter in Australia is a time to honour traditions and embrace the values that have been cherished for generations. These traditions can be unique for each family, but there’s no doubt it’s a time for reflection, food and family. From exchanging Easter eggs, camping, family meals, attending festivals or going to church, Easter provides a unique opportunity for everyone to participate in an aspect of Australian culture that has been loved by children and adults alike since the 1800s.
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