Ostern

Easter in Austria is really similar to Easter in the US. There are only slight variations.

Austrian kids get their pictures taken with the Easter bunny just like American kids do.

But in Austria the pictures are taken at the Easter market with a polka band playing under the neighboring tent.

 

It's the one Sunday in both countries when churches are full (you can see some of the spires in Graz in this picture).

But in Austria almost everyone's Catholic and you celebrate a lot longer. I got almost two weeks off from the Fashion School and Gymnasium and three weeks off from the university. This was how I got to spend Easter in Croatia with my Rick Steves guidebook and these lovely people.

Both countries have traditional foods that they eat on Easter. Americans eat ham at their Uncle Sonny's.

In Austria they eat Pinzen, which are small breads (surprise, surprise) that are sweetened and butter- or marmalade-flavored. They sell them at EVERY bakery.

 

And just like in the US, the Easter bunny brings Austrian kids lots of eggs and candy. Especially Lindt Goldhasen. 

I received three of these chocolate rabbits from various teachers and students. Some one couldn't help herself and ate the ears off of one on the way home from school. This is why the ears and head are strangely crinkled.

This last part isn't actually different from what happens in the US.