Easter means a lot of things to a lot of people. For Pious Christians, it is a day to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. In the ancient Pagan religions, Easter symbolised the beginning of the harvest season. For modern day children, it means lots and lots of chocolate, looking for colourful Easter eggs, and an overall good time. Even non-Christians take part in celebrations in most parts of the world, just because it is another reason to party!
Easter time was always celebrated by most countries around the world for the very fact that it is the time that the first harvest is done. Ancient Pagan religions and animistic beliefs, as well as Indo-Aryan religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism have significant events around this time, to invoke blessings on the local populations.
Most of the symbolism of Easter comes from the concept of fertility: Eggs symbolise a new life, Rabbits (Bunnies) symbolise fertility, and the ancient religions had deities of fertility that symbolised this season. The Christian takeover of the holiday managed to keep the spirit of the holiday, adjusting it to symbolise the date of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Different parts of the world have Easter (and the beginning of spring, where they do not celebrate the Christian holiday) celebration-related customs. From Cyprus, where great fires are lit in schools or church yards, to the Czech Republic and Slovakia, where the unusual tradition of spanking takes place on Easter Monday, to the decoration of Easter Wells (called Osterbrunnen) in Germany to bless water, yet another celebration of fertility and life.
If you are considering taking your holiday in Easter 2015, this is a list of the most interesting places for you to choose from:
Orlando, Florida, United States
Anyone with even a little bit of knowledge in Geography knows that Orlando is all about theme parks, and they are not wrong. Home to a wide range of theme parks, you will find yourself in the midst of the action during the Easter holiday. It is not like Orlando to miss out on a celebration. The theme parks lead the way in celebrations, as they create Easter wonderlands for children and adults alike. Colourful parades, Easter egg hunts, and dining experiences make up the fun activities, while places such as the Bok Tower Gardens and SeaWorld have special sunrise services for worshippers in a classy, elegant setting.
Flower festivals, Mardi Gras celebrations, and music festivals are all part of the Orlando Easter experience, with new festivals added every year. If you are into basketball, you are in for a treat, as the Basketball season will be in full swing during April (Easter 2015 will be on 5th April) and the local NBA team – Orlando Magic – will be playing a few home games during this time.
Travel Center UK has special offers on flights to Orlando for Easter 2015, so call today and book your holiday with us.
Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg is the most happening city in South Africa to spend Easter 2015. From special Easter events to spectacular music events, April brings a whole new level of excitement to Johannesburg. Enjoy a wide range of music festivals – from blues to hip hop and everything in-between – and get your feet tapping to the Rhythm of Africa!
If you are into adventure travel, Johannesburg offers Safari Tours out to the wilderness. As a country where the “Big five of Africa” – African Elephants, Black Rhinos, African Lions, Cape Buffalo, and African Leopard – roam in their natural habitat, South Africa is the best place for a Safari Tour.
Perhaps the biggest event in Johannesburg’s Easter season is the spectacular Rand Show. Held annually for over 120 years, it has become the city’s most sought-after festivals. Including live performances by international artists, beauty pageants, fun rides, magic shows, and “Snow Time” – a special treat to get away from the heat of the action. The whole city comes alive during the celebrations and festivities that last 10 days (2015’s Rand Show will run from 3rd April to 12th April, coinciding with the Easter weekend).
Contact Travel Center UK today and ask for special Easter 2015 flight offers to Johannesburg. We have some jaw-dropping deals lined up for you, so don’t miss out!
Bangkok, Thailand
When one thinks of Easter holidays, the predominantly Buddhist South East Asian nation of Thailand might not be the first thought that enters their minds. However, Bangkok – along with the rest of the nation – comes alive with the celebration of Songkran from the 13th to the 15th of April. Marking the Thai New Year, Songkran is celebrated by young and old alike by throwing water at each other, so prepare to get soaked! As April is the hottest month of the year, with temperatures reaching 40°C, a bucket of water thrown at you is a welcome treat.
As for Easter in the traditional sense, most international, and some local, establishments decorate their storefronts with Easter eggs, bunnies, and other Easter-related items. International hotel chains provide special Easter meals. Easter services will be held in churches in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand.
Book your flights to Bangkok today! Travel Center UK has some great Easter 2015 offers lined up for you.
Seville, Spain
Spain is a predominantly Catholic European nation, and celebrates Easter throughout the country. Seville is home to one of the most spectacular Easter processions anywhere in the world, with masked penitents (called ‘nazarenos’ locally) and lavish floats leading a dazzling display, which includes marching bands, Baroque statues illustrating the Easter story.
Most restaurants and bars in the city of Seville celebrate Easter, as it also symbolises the beginning of spring for its people.
Book your holiday to Seville in Easter 2015 with Travel Center UK, and make use of the special offers we have in store for you!
Rome, Italy
There is perhaps no city in the world that gets as much attention as Rome does during Easter. A special Easter Mass is held in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican conducted by the pope himself. Another highlight is the Pope’s traditional message of hope and peace (known as the “Urbi et Orbi”).
The city itself comes alive with a procession which celebrates the life of Jesus Christ until the crucifixion. The celebrations are held in a grand scale, and a sense of community is fostered through them.
Rome is a very popular Easter destination, so book your flights to Rome with Travel Center UK today! We will find you the best flight offers available or any other type of travel take a look at our travel blogs.
Multiple Destinations, the Philippines
The Philippines is the Asian country with the largest Catholic population, with at least 85% of the population following the faith. Easter celebrations in the Philippines are not for the faint-hearted. Most cities celebrate Easter with bloody rituals involving penitents who whip their own backs with sharp objects such as blades and bamboo sticks. These rituals are believed to cleanse their sins, cure illness, and grant wishes.
Processions marking the carrying of the cross are also held throughout the Philippines, showing the level of devotion held by the Filipino population.
Get in touch with one of Travel Center UK’s experts and book your flights to the Philippines today!
Easter is a time for celebration no matter where you plan to spend it, so contact us today and find out about special offers to any of the listed destinations, and many more. Make Easter 2015 a memorable one!
Share
