Easter traditions in Saxony

By the end of winter everybody is yearning for warmer temperatures. Trees begin to flower, new leaves grow – and Easter is just around the corner! This is a festivity for the whole family and Saxony is offering something for everyone: from idyllic excursions into the countryside to regional delicacies and traditional customs. Upper Lusatia in particular is home to ancient and unique Easter customs, which are still actively celebrated among the Sorbs, a slavic minority who live in this part of Saxony.

Easter riders are an ancient Sorb tradition. After the Easter church service, the riders, dressed up in frock coats and top hats, are blessed before riding around their local church. Afterwards the entire procession, which can consist of up to 450 horses, rides to the nearest church to proclaim the good news of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The parish they’ve visited would then perform the same procession in another parish so that everyone hears the news. Although its historical origin has not been varified, it can be assumed that this custom originated from the so-called "riding around" the fields to protect the harvest from damage. But whether superstition or tradition, when visiting Upper Lusatia make sure to plan it for Easter so that you don't miss out on this local highlight!

For more than 400 years, the curious Easter Sunday tradition of “Easter egg rolling” has been practiced in Bautzen. Today, it is one of the town’s most popular Easter attractions, attracting many visitors each year.

Originally, the children of wealthy families would roll hard-boiled eggs and other items, such as oranges and nuts, down the hillside. These were caught by poorer children on the bottom of the hill for keeping.

Nowadays, colourful plastic balls are rolled downhill. The children will catch them and then exchange them for a gift. The event is traditionally presented by the so-called “Eierjockel” character.