The Easter Egg Hunt: How To Celebrate Easter In Amsterdam!

Chocolate eggs in all its colors.

From blue to pink, from chocolate to gummies, from rabbits to eggs. It is difficult to go to the supermarket right now and leave without having bought some of the yummy sweets that are on offer in variety. And with their cute forms and nice colors, they proof: Spring is coming and with that, so is Easter!

Now whether you usually eat sweets or celebrate Easter. Let me tell you that, in Amsterdam, especially as a student, Easter is a wonderful and undemanding holiday. And here is why:

Reason #1 - Holiday Means Holiday

That is, because, firstly, around Easter you get two days off: The Friday before Easter (this year April 3), which is the so-called “Goede Vrijdag”, the most important day of lent for Catholics. For everyone else, it can just be seen as a free day. Then, Sunday and Monday are the main Easter-holidays, called “Pasen” in Dutch, which means you’ll have Monday off as well. And - who doesn't like an extra day off?

Reason #2 - Quality Time

Secondly: Easter is a nice family-holiday. But of course, as an international student there not always the opportunity to go home to visit your family. Nevertheless, Easter can be the perfect occasion to spend some cozy family time: Namely, with your self-chosen family – your roomies and friends!

A typical Easter brunch.

Reason #3 - Brunch

Thirdly, because the best way to celebrate Easter is by having a big brunch. And who doesn’t love brunch?! Plus, there’s heaps of yummy things to serve: In the Netherlands, for example, it is common to eat "paasbrood", a cinnamon flavoured soft bread with raisins. Normal bread, croissants, boiled eggs, and many more on top of that, will make the brunch perfect.

An Easterbread or "Paasbrood".

Not to forget the best part – the chocolate eggs! If you do it the right way, the eggs will not be served on the table though: Instead, they should be hidden around the house or garden. Once hidden, the whole “family” goes on an “Easter Hunt” to collect the most of these yummy eggs. If you fully commit, this can be a super funny competition. You could say, basically, Easter means good food, lovely company, and great fun!

Let's Celebrate!

So, grab your friends and roommates, hide some eggs, and enjoy a lovely Easter holiday! Happy Easter, or, as you say it in Dutch: Vrolijk Pasen!