Easter in Europe: rules and prohibitions that are important for Ukrainians abroad to know about

For millions of Ukrainians who temporarily live in European countries because of the war, it is not only important to learn the language or get a job – it is vital to know the laws, traditions and rules of the country in which you are staying. This is especially true during the festive period, when the opening hours of shops, public transport, government institutions change, and for certain actions – such as organizing a party or carelessly pouring water – you can get a real fine. In April 2025, most European countries will celebrate Catholic Easter. It is not only a big holiday, but also a moment when countries practically stop: supermarkets close, public transport disappears, there are restrictions on trade, music and even sports competitions.

Weekends in Europe

Easter 2025 falls on April 20, which is the Catholic Resurrection Sunday. The next day, April 21, is the official Easter Monday, i.e. public holiday, in most European countries. In addition, Good Friday, April 18, is also a holiday in many regions. For Ukrainians who are used to a different calendar and a different format of celebrations, this can be a source of surprises. To avoid this, you should familiarize yourself with the specifics of each specific country.

In Germany, April 18, Good Friday (Guten Freitag), will be a public holiday in most federal states. April 21 – Easter Monday – is also an official public holiday. All shops and supermarkets will be closed on these days, with the exception of outlets at train stations, gas stations and airports. Public transport will operate according to the weekend schedule, but the number of flights will be reduced in some regions, especially the bus service. Intercity trains will run, but in view of the holiday demand, it is advised to book tickets in advance.

In Poland, April 20 is Easter, and April 21 is Easter Monday. On these days, all major supermarket chains, including Biedronka, Lidl, Auchan, Carrefour, will be completely closed. Only small private shops can work, provided that the owner himself is behind the counter. Public transport on Sunday and Monday will switch to a limited schedule. City carriers such as ZTM and MPK will operate on a Sunday schedule, meaning less frequent than on weekdays. PKP Intercity and Polregio trains will run according to the weekend schedule.

In France, the official holiday will be only April 21 – Easter Monday. In Paris, some supermarkets, such as Monoprix and Franprix, are open until 13:00 or 14:00 on this day. In provincial cities, most shops will be closed. The Paris Metro and the RER commuter train will operate on a Sunday schedule. Regional trains TER will reduce the number of services, and intercity trains TGV and Ouigo will operate, but tickets should be purchased in advance due to possible lack of seats.

In Italy, the weekend will be April 20 — Pasqua, that is, Easter, and April 21 — Pasquetta, Easter Monday. On these days, most supermarkets, pharmacies and shopping centers will be closed. At the same time, small grocery stores, bakeries and some food establishments can operate in large cities. April 21 is a traditional picnic day, so restaurants in tourist areas are usually open. Transport companies (in particular, ATAC, ATM, AMT) switch to the holiday schedule. Trenitalia and Italo trains will run, but with restrictions, and the metro and buses will run less frequently than on normal days.

In Spain, the weekend calendar covers several days at once: April 17 (Thursday) — Holy Thursday in the regions of Andalusia, Madrid and Navarra; April 18 — Good Friday, which is an official holiday in most autonomous communities; April 21 is Easter Monday, which is celebrated in Catalonia and several other regions. On April 20, Easter Sunday, shops will be closed across the country. On April 21, small grocery stores, as well as restaurants and cafes, can operate in tourist areas. Public transport throughout Spain will operate on a weekend schedule. Metros in Madrid and Barcelona will run less often than usual, and RENFE trains may experience cancellations or changes in timetables.

In the Czech Republic, April 18 is Good Friday and April 21 is Easter Monday. On these days, large shops with an area of ​​more than 200 square meters will be closed according to the law. Only small private shops, pharmacies and gas stations will be open. On Saturday, April 19, stores will be open as usual. Transport carriers, in particular Pražská integrovaná doprava, will work according to the holiday schedule. ČD trains will run, but it is possible to combine flights or cancel individual routes.

Holiday restrictions

In addition to the weekend itself, you should also take into account the restrictions that are in force in various European countries these days. In Poland, work on Easter is prohibited by law, and the only exception is critical infrastructure: hospitals, police, transport. The rite of dousing with water on Easter Monday, popular among young people, can be considered hooliganism. Violation of public order carries a fine of up to 500 zlotys (approximately 110 euros).

In the Czech Republic, on Easter Sunday, according to the law, it is forbidden to open shops with an area of ​​more than 200 m². This applies to supermarkets, shopping centers, IKEA, Tesco. All state institutions, schools, banks are closed. Only pharmacies, train stations and gas stations are open. Violation of the law is punishable by a fine of up to 1 million kroner (about 40,000 euros). However, there is no ban on concerts or parties on Good Friday, church services are held solemnly, but discreetly.

In Germany, on Good Friday, which is considered a day of mourning, there is a so-called ban on dancing – Tanzverbot. This means a ban on discos, parties, public concerts, sporting events, and sometimes movie screenings. The police have the right to close the establishment and impose a fine of 500 to 2,000 euros. All supermarkets and shopping centers are closed on this day. In tourist areas, only separate shops near train stations or gas stations can operate.

In Hungary, all large shops will be closed on Easter Sunday and Monday. Only small private shops are allowed to operate if the owner serves customers himself. Violation of the regime is subject to a fine of up to 1 million forints (about 2,500 euros). Public transport operates according to the Sunday schedule, but the number of flights on popular routes even increases in Budapest on Sundays.

The tradition of dousing with water is preserved not only in Poland, but also in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia. Although it is an ancient symbol of purification, spring and a wish for health, dousing someone without consent in a public space is risky. In Poland, they can be fined 500 zlotys, in the Czech Republic – 1,000 crowns, in Slovakia – up to 33 euros. In Hungary, the practice remains ritualistic, but unannounced dousing in public places is also frowned upon.

In Switzerland, Good Friday is a day of mourning in Protestant cantons. Prohibited concerts, parties, sporting events, even private events can be canceled if the silence is disturbed. Fines for an illegally organized event reach 10,000 francs. Shops are closed on Friday, Sunday and Monday. Transport operates with restrictions, some routes are shortened.

In Norway, television and radio avoid entertainment content on Good Friday. Public parties are prohibited, bars can work, but without music. Fines are usually minor, but violation of license conditions can be grounds for temporary closure of the establishment. All shops are closed on Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Monday. Public transport switches to a shortened schedule, some routes do not work.

In Italy, not legal, but traditional restrictions apply. On Good Friday, it is recommended to abstain from meat and not to hold entertainment events. Most private shops are closed on Sunday, and on Monday supermarkets and transport operate in a reduced mode.

In Spain, during Semana Santa, or Holy Week, loud music is banned, authorities have the right to limit the sale of alcohol in public places, and roads may be closed during processions. A fine of up to 3,000 euros is provided for obstructing a religious activity. Shops operate with restrictions, depending on the autonomous region, and transport is often adapted to pilgrim routes.

Ukrainians planning a trip to Europe or living abroad are advised to check the holiday schedule in a specific country in advance, make purchases before Friday, have cash with them and familiarize themselves with the rules of silence. Easter in Europe is not only a family holiday, but also a cultural event with clear rules of behavior that should be respected.