The big annual celebrations can be a great source of discovery and cultural cognition. Traveling during the festive period can be rewarding while observing and participating in local traditions. You can immerse yourself in experiences and customs that guides usually only describe with words. Easter is a meaningful and cherished time across the Baltic States, observed in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Yet, it is in Lithuania that the celebration is cherished with centuries-old traditions, spiritual devotion, and vibrant symbolism. This is no surprise, as Lithuania remains a predominantly Catholic country, if we compare it to Latvia or Estonia.  

For travel professionals looking to introduce their clients to an authentic and culturally rich springtime experience, Easter in Lithuania offers an unforgettable opportunity. Choosing a pilgrim trip during Easter, Christmas or Assumption Day lets travelers experience  and appreciate the local spiritual heritage.

Easter celebrations: A week of reflection and celebration

In Lithuania, Easter is more than just a single day holiday — it is celebrate over a week of symbolic and communal observances.

• It begins with Palm Sunday (Verbų sekmadienis), which marks the start of Holy Week. While many countries use palm fronds to commemorate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, Lithuanians craft elaborate “verba”—intricately tied arrangements made of dried herbs and flowers. These vibrant, hand-crafted bouquets are brought to churches for blessing and are believed to protect homes and bring good fortune throughout the year. Many Lithuanian craft their verbas themselves or buy during St. Casimir fair in March.

The days leading up to Easter—Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday—are also filled with spiritual significance and quiet anticipation.

• On Holy Thursday, Lithuanians attend Mass to commemorate the Last Supper. It is also a day associated with cleansing—many people symbolically wash themselves in rivers or springs at sunrise, seeking physical and spiritual renewal.
• Good Friday is a solemn day of mourning and reflection, commemorating the crucifixion of Christ. Churches become focal points of quiet prayer, and no Mass is celebrated, adding to the sacred stillness.
• Holy Saturday brings renewed energy. Families prepare festive foods, clean their homes, and most importantly, paint Easter eggs—a beloved tradition in Lithuania. Known as “margučiai,” these eggs are decorated using natural dyes and beeswax techniques passed down through generations. The egg itself is a potent symbol of life, rebirth, and fertility, perfectly echoing the themes of spring and resurrection.

Easter Sunday and the Joy of Reconnection

On Easter Sunday early morning Masses are attended by families dressed in their finest attire. Afterwards, homes are filled with the scent of roasted meats, freshly baked bread, and butter lambs as families gather for a festive feast. The cracking of eggs is more than a game—it’s a cherished ritual. The person whose egg remains unbroken is believed to have strength and good fortune for the coming year.

The celebration continues into Easter Monday, traditionally a day to visit relatives and neighbors, spreading blessings and Easter cheer throughout the community. The Sunday after Easter, called Atvelykis, celebrates children with egg decorating, games, and sweets. It’s also a day for godparents and godchildren to visit each other, reinforcing family bonds.

Authentic Easter Experiences for Travelers in Lithuania

For travel professionals seeking to enhance their spring itineraries with immersive experiences, Lithuania offers several hands-on activities that bring Easter to life:

• Festive Menus at Vilnius Restaurants
  Many restaurants in Vilnius celebrate Easter by offering special menus featuring traditional Lithuanian dishes—from beetroot soup and roasted lamb to rich desserts like poppy seed rolls. These limited-time menus give travelers a taste of the holiday spirit on their plates.
  
• Egg Painting with Beeswax Workshops
  Travelers can join interactive margučiai workshops, where local artisans guide them through the delicate art of decorating eggs using natural dyes and hot beeswax. This is a meaningful cultural activity suitable for families, groups, or FITs looking for local charm.
• Easter Celebrations for groups at the Open-Air Museum in Rumšiškės
  Just an hour from Vilnius, the Open-Air Museum of Lithuania in Rumšiškės offers a deep dive into rural Easter traditions. Guests can stroll through authentic village homes, witness reenacted customs, and enjoy a hearty traditional Easter meal at the museum’s rustic inn. For groups traditional Easter games and workshops can be organized, like egg painting, egg rolling, egg fighting alongside folk dances and songs.
• Easter Folklore Experience
  Travelers may learn about Easter traditions during the city tours, educational workshops and be inspired by local folklore. Easter in Lithuania still carries traces of its pagan roots—like the custom of splashing water on loved ones to bring good luck and a bountiful year. These playful traditions offer visitors a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Latvian and Estonian Easter Traditions

Though more modest than in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia also celebrate Easter with charming local customs, especially in rural areas. In Latvia, Easter (Lieldienas) combines Christian and ancient rituals—swinging in wooden swings to ward off evil, egg-cracking games, and naturally dyed eggs using onion skins and moss. Traditional dishes like Paska and baked lamb grace the table.

In Estonia (Lihavõtted), the focus is on quiet family time, egg games, and spring walks. Some still follow folk traditions like decorating birch branches and predicting the weather based on Easter sunrise.

Let the Baltics be your clients’ next springtime discovery. From sacred processions to hands-on artistry and warm family traditions, Easter in the Baltics—especially in Lithuania—offers a journey through centuries of heritage, faith, and seasonal beauty. Consider Easter city breaks for your next trips in 2026 season, which will bring new discoveries to your clients and expand your trips portfolio.

Estravel offers a complete Easter experience, from spiritual journeys and pilgrimages to traditional celebrations. Your clients can take part in egg painting workshops, enjoy Easter games in nature, and savor a festive lunch at the folk museum in Rumšiškės—all thoughtfully curated to immerse them in the authentic spirit of Lithuanian Easter.