From Flying Bells to Water Fights: Curious Easter Traditions From Europe to Bermuda

Śmigus-Dyngus

Ah, Easter. For some, it’s all hot cross buns, pastel eggs, and vaguely competitive egg hunts at the local park or grandma’s house. But venture a bit farther afield, and you’ll find customs so unexpected, they’d make the Easter Bunny drop his basket in surprise.

Let’s explore some of the most fascinating Easter traditions around the world—packed with flying bells and messy rituals.

1. France – The Flying Bells (Les Cloches Volantes)

Forget chocolate bunnies. In many parts of France, Easter is ushered in by flying church bells. Legend has it that on Good Friday, the bells fly to Rome to be blessed by the Pope, returning on Easter morning to drop chocolate eggs and treats on the way home.

Why it’s delightful: French churches fall silent in mourning, only to erupt in joyful bell-ringing on Easter Sunday. It’s equal parts reverent and whimsical—like theology with jet propulsion.

2. Poland – Śmigus-Dyngus (Wet Monday)

Easter Monday in Poland is not for those who cherish dry clothes. Known as Śmigus-Dyngus, this tradition involves boys dousing girls with water—buckets, water pistols, even garden hoses are fair game. In return, girls may retaliate the following day.

Historical note: The tradition has pagan roots as a fertility rite before being adopted (and lightly sanitized) by Christian customs. If you find yourself in Kraków on Easter Monday… pack a poncho.

3. Greece – Red Eggs and Pot-Smashing in Corfu

While most decorate eggs in springtime shades, the Greeks dye theirs a vivid crimson, symbolizing the blood of Christ. But Corfu ups the ante—on Holy Saturday, locals hurl clay pots from balconies in a ear-splitting tradition meant to ward off evil and welcome renewal.

Some advice:Bring earplugs and an umbrella. The view’s spectacular; the pottery shrapnel, less so.

5. Bermuda – Good Friday Kite Flying

In Bermuda, Easter is airborne. On Good Friday, families gather on beaches and hilltops to fly homemade kites—often in vibrant geometric shapes—symbolizing the resurrection of Christ. The skies are a riot of colour, the atmosphere festive and breezy (literally and figuratively).

Local tip:For the best views, head to Horseshoe Bay or the annual kite festival at the Royal Naval Field. Bonus: don’t leave without trying a fishcake on hot cross buns.

Why These Easter Traditions Matter

What do flying bells, flying kites, and flying water buckets all have in common? They're reminders that Easter, while rooted in a common faith, takes on incredibly local flavours. These traditions reflect history, identity, and a shared human tendency to celebrate the sacred with a splash of spectacle (and sometimes actual splashing).

Have you been abroad during Easter? Leave a comment below about where you went and what the experience was like.