Zagreb's Easter Traditions: From Processions to Painted Easter Eggs

The city is full of holiday spirit and new life that attracts visitors from all over the world. Easter in Zagreb is full of traditions that have been passed down through generations. Some of them even date back to 1094.

Processions in Nova Ves

The oldest tradition, the Zagreb rite was established in the Zagreb Diocese from its founding in 1094 and remained until the late 18th century. This tradition replicated Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem and it was held on Palm Sunday in the Church of St. John the Baptist located in Nova Ves 12.  Twelve Clerics dressed in white robes portrayed biblical apostles, while the thirteenth of them represents Jesus. The procession was not only held in the church but also on the street from Nova Ves to the Cathedral. 

In the 17th century on the night between Holy Saturday and Easter, a group of young men called "raspletniki" were carrying a cross around the city. They were singing hymns that praised Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection. Four men stopped at various street corners where women had prepared a raised platform covered with fabric. The cross was placed on this platform, and the women would kiss it as a sign of devotion. In return, they gifted the young men with eggs or coins as tokens of gratitude and celebration.  

Swabian bunnies  

Back in the 19th century, stuffed bunnies became available as decorative items for affluent families. Compared to traditional wooden Easter eggs, a lot of people disapproved of these stuffed bunnies so they were referred to as “Swabian bunnies."  

Strict adherence to the rules during Lent

In the 20th century, Zagrebians called Eater Vuzem. There was a tradition to abstain from sweets during Lent. But it was hard since there was a lot of advertising for cakes and baked goods, as well as chocolate eggs. The most requested ones were walnut rolls, kuglof, pinca, and poppy seed rolls.   

On Easter, worshippers attended early mass, bringing baskets filled with food and drink - such as wine, bread, lamb, poultry, bacon, cheese, eggs, milk, and honey—to Zagreb’s churches for blessing.  This practice symbolizes gratitude and abundance and also provides an opportunity for families and friends to gather in a festive atmosphere.

So, since Easter was marked as the arrival of spring, young women strolled along the streets, especially squares, in their newest outfits. Tuškanac, Maksimir, Gračani, Šestine, and Črnomerec were popular, filled with the festive spirit of the season.   

Easter eggs as a symbol of the Easter table

Easter eggs are an essential part of the Easter and decorations require a unique art form. Using traditional techniques such as natural dyeing and wax painting, eggs are colorful and the centerpiece of the Easter table. To get brown color, eggs were boiled in hot water stuffed with onion skin for natural dye color. But, in addition to traditional, there is a modern approach for Easter eggs. Custom egg tapping is a competition where participants try to keep their egg unbroken after striking it against another. 

Today, a lot of these traditions were passed down to younger generations like egg tapping, blessing food on Easter morning, and spending time with family in friends. From the processions in Nova Ves to the creative artistry of pisanice, and from the rich aromas of traditional pastries to the cheerful gatherings in city parks, Easter in Zagreb is a living celebration of heritage and renewal. Whether you are a local or a visitor, the city’s unique blend of spiritual reflection and communal joy invites everyone to share in its timeless message of hope, gratitude, and new beginnings.

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Author: Valentina Grahovac