Tyrolean Easter traditions – my favorite customs

27 March 2025

Post originally written in: Deutsch

After the cold winter months, it is finally getting warmer. The birds are chirping in the morning, the grass is sprouting and flowers are beginning to bloom everywhere. With spring comes Easter - one of my favorite holidays. Why? Because it's so relaxed and easy-going. Time with the family, good food and simply enjoying the beautiful atmosphere. There are many customs surrounding Easter, and that's exactly what this article is about. I will also introduce you to the most beautiful Easter markets in and around Innsbruck. After all, you need to know where to find the best Schmankerln (= delicacies) for Easter brunch.

Indulgence needs a break: Lent as a conscious time-out

Before we feast, we first fast. The 40-day fasting period begins on Ash Wednesday. If you like, you can use this time for inner cleansing and treat yourself to a conscious break from excess. Whether and what you give up is up to you: some people don't eat meat, drink alcohol or cut out sweets. Personally, I only really manage to give up chocolate during Lent - for whatever reason, but I need this framework. But the chocolate bunny tastes all the better on Easter Sunday. If you want to find out more about fasting and why it's good for body and soul, you should definitely check out my colleague Christian - he's written a really interesting article about it.

Contemporary works of art that invite reflection

Easter is the highest Christian holiday and Lent plays a special role in the church year. During this time, churches are not only places of prayer, but also of reflection and pause for thought. In some of Innsbruck's churches impressive works of art invite you to reflect on life and faith and enter into conversation. In St. Jacob's Cathedral, for example, you can admire a screen print by the world-famous artist Andy Warhol. The parish church of Dreiheiligen and the university church of St. Johannes also display special works - to name but a few.

Holy Week - a holy week

The week before Easter is known as Holy Week and begins with Palm Sunday. As a child, this time meant one thing to me above all: church. I was an altar server and felt like I spent every free minute there. Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil - I was there everywhere. Today that has changed a bit, but Palm Sunday remains a fixed date. We go to church together and take part in the Palm procession.

Who has the longest?

Traditionally, we tie palm bushes or palm branches. Girls carry a palm bush, boys a palm lath. True to the motto "the longer, the better", in many villages there is a competition to see who has the longest palm branch. They are often so big that several boys have to carry them together. They are made from olive branches and palm catkins, decorated with colorful ribbons and sweet pretzels. We buy our pretzels from the"Bäck" bakery in Oberhofen, but if you feel like it, you can also bake them yourself - you're sure to find a suitable recipe online.

Greens on Maundy Thursday

The next customs revolve around my favorite topic: food! And after 40 days of fasting, I think we've more than earned it. Let's start with Maundy Thursday - on this day, Christians remember Jesus' Last Supper. In many households , greens are traditionally served on the table: salad, young vegetables, fresh herbs - in short, everything that starts to sprout in spring. Or THE classic dish throughout Austria: creamed spinach with potatoes and a fried egg. So far, I haven't really kept to this tradition. But this year I'm motivated and have made a firm resolution to cook nettle dumplings for my family. (You can find the recipe here.) If you prefer to skip the stove, you should drop by the market square on April 17 at 3 pm. That's where the traditional Türtlenessen will take place there. If - like me - you've never heard of Türteln, they are South Tyrolean lard pastries with a crispy shell and savory or sweet fillings. It's worth trying!

Finally enjoy it again!

Maundy Thursday is followed by Good Friday, a strict day of fasting on which traditionally little is eaten - especially no meat. On Easter Sunday, however, you can feast all the more. And what could be better than an extensive Easter brunch with the whole family? Whatever tastes good is put on the table: Osterpinzenspicy ham, sausage, cheese and, of course, lots of colorful Easter eggs.

Colored eggs - a splash of color in history

But anyone who believes that the tradition of colorful eggs goes back to Christianity is mistaken. In many cultures, the egg was a symbol of life. The ancient Egyptians probably asked themselves: which came first - the hen or the egg? In ancient Greece and Rome, eggs were dyed, hung up and given as gifts in spring to celebrate the equinox. Back then, this event marked the start of the new year and the egg was a sacred symbol of a new beginning. In the Middle Ages, eggs were not allowed to be eaten during Lent - but the hens didn't care. They kept on laying. To prevent the eggs from spoiling, they were boiled. To distinguish them from fresh eggs after Easter, they were dyed red.

Colorful eggs & delicious Easter treats: ideas for decorations and brunch

I have fond memories of my mom blowing out the eggs, us children painting them brightly and then hanging them on the Easter bouquet. It's supposedly not that difficult - but I've never tried it myself. You need a thin needle to pierce a small hole in the top and bottom of the eggshell. These openings are then carefully widened with a knitting needle or a skewer. Then place your lips on the egg and blow into it until the egg white and yolk flow out through the bottom opening. Whether you're painting blown-out or hard-boiled eggs, you can find inspiration and delicious recipes for Easter brunch or snack, such as the deliciously fluffy Easter striezel can be found at Nadja.

Culinary delights & arts and crafts: the Easter market in Innsbruck

But the best recipes are of little use without the right ingredients. That's why it's best to pay a visit to Innsbruck's market square. From April 11 to 21, a traditional Easter market awaits you there traditional Easter market with more than 30 lovingly decorated stalls. Every day from 11:00 to 19:00, there are artistic crafts and lots of culinary delights to discover. From savory bacon and spicy cheese to sweet temptations such as creamy nougat, fresh fruit skewers and fragrant Baumstriezel to sophisticated poke bowls and filled croissants in unique flavors - no (Easter) wishes remain unfulfilled here.

Incidentally, the market square is only an alternative venue this year. Normally, the Easter market takes place a few meters away in Innsbruck's old town.

Colorful children's world for little Easter bunnies

Children are the ones who should definitely not miss out at Easter. And for this very reason, young visitors to the Easter market can look forward to a creative children's world with handicrafts, games and exciting fairytale presentations. They also have the opportunity to take part in an Easter quiz. On April 25, 2025 at 13:00, the prize draw will take place in the market hall during the "market break". But don't worry: every child will be rewarded for their participation.

Even more markets

In addition to the Easter market on the market square, which traditionally takes place in the old town but had to be postponed this year, there are other markets in the region that are well worth a visit. On April 5, for example, there is an Easter market in Völs on April 12th, followed by the Mutterer Easter market. The Telfer monthly marketwhich - as the name suggests - takes place once a month, is not a special Easter market, but on April 12 you are sure to discover some treats for the festive season.