5 Ways to Say Happy Easter in Spanish: Spanish Easter Traditions Around the World + Audio

Easter is a time of renewal, celebration, and togetherness, marking one of the most important holidays in the Christian calendar, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Across the globe, countries have unique ways of observing this special time, with various customs and celebrations. In Spanish-speaking countries, Easter is not only a religious holiday but also a cultural event filled with rich traditions and festive gatherings. Read this blog post to learn how to say Happy Easter in Spanish, and more!

Did you know that Mexico is very religious? Check this video from Spring Spanish (a project I co-founded) to learn all the chunks you need to know:

1. Say Happy Easter in Spanish: Felices Pascuas

“Felices Pascuas” is used in much the same way as “Happy Easter” is used in English-speaking countries, as a friendly greeting among friends, family, and even strangers during the Easter celebrations.

To say Happy Easter in Spanish with confidence, you should practice the pronunciation of this phrase. It is pronounced as ‘feh-LEE-sehs PAHS-kwahs’ /feˈliθes ˈpaskwas/. When joining in on the festivities with Spanish-speakers, you can offer this phrase as a sign of goodwill and to enjoy the shared spirit of the holiday.

And if you’re looking to add a little more warmth, you might say “Feliz Domingo de Pascua“, which translates to “Happy Easter Sunday”. For a better pronunciation, you can learn more about the Spanish alphabet and check our Speechling review – a great app to practice pronunciation.

5 ways to say Happy Easter in Spanish

2. When is Easter celebrated in Spanish-speaking countries around the world? (Spain, Mexico, and other Latin-American countries)

Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox, meaning the specific dates change each year: it generally falls between March 22 and April 25.

In Spanish-speaking countries, the celebration of Easter, or “Pascua“, extends throughout what is known as Semana Santa, or Holy Week, culminating on Easter Sunday, “Domingo de Pascua“. This period is an important time in countries like Spain, Mexico, and other Latin American nations.

Each country observes Easter with its unique traditions:

• In Spain, Semana Santa is characterized by large-scale processions and religious fervor.
• In Mexico, the holiday blends indigenous practices with Catholic traditions.
• In Latin America, the dates of Easter are observed with equal reverence, highlighting a mix of religious observations, festive parades, and community gatherings.

3. What are some Spanish Easter traditions?

In Spain, Easter traditions are rooted in the country’s Catholic heritage. Processions are held throughout Semana Santa, showing ornate floats and figures depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ. “La Semana Santa de Sevilla” is particularly famous, drawing visitors from around the world.

Mexico celebrates Easter with a blend of indigenous customs and Catholic practices. Passion plays, which reenact the events leading up to the crucifixion of Christ, are common. “Los Pasionarios“, as participants are known, take to the streets in a spectacle of devotion and performance.

Other Latin American countries, like Argentina, also have unique Easter customs. In some areas, “Pascua” is observed with gatherings where family and friends join to share food and attend mass together. Traditional dishes, like empanadas de vigilia (fish or vegetable turnovers eaten during Lent), are enjoyed, underscoring the blend of religious observance and culinary tradition that marks the Easter season in Spanish-speaking regions. You can learn more about food in Spanish on Spring Spanish.

4. Easter bunny, egg hunt and other Spanish Easter vocabulary

The Easter Bunny and egg hunts are customs more commonly associated with the United States and other English-speaking countries, yet they have also found their way into some modern Easter celebrations in Spanish-speaking areas.

Check the following table with Spanish Easter expressions.

Spanish Easter expressions

Easter in Spanish-speaking countries comes with its own set of vocabulary that helps create the celebratory atmosphere.

Knowing these words can give you a more authentic feel to your holiday greetings and can help you join in the Easter celebrations with greater ease and enjoyment.

5. Learn more about Easter-related language expressions with Conversation Based Chunking

Celebrating Easter in these countries is a fascinating combination of religion and joyous festivity, with traditions that are both unique and shared.

To fully embrace these cultural experiences and to say Happy Easter in Spanish with the confidence of a native speaker, consider enhancing your language skills through Conversation Based Chunking. This method of learning breaks down language into manageable, frequently used chunks, rather than focusing solely on grammar and vocabulary lists.

We hope you have enjoyed learning about “Felices Pascuas” and Spanish Easter traditions. Whether you’re planning to celebrate Easter in Spain, Mexico, Argentina, or any other Spanish-speaking country, remember that joining in with the local customs can make your holiday experience a lot better.

So, this Easter, when you wish someone “Felices Pascuas“, do it with the joy and warmth that this festive season embodies.