Easter Monday 2025
Date: April 21, 2025 (Monday)
Country: Hungary Public Holidays
Description
Easter Monday in Hungary is a public holiday that follows Easter Sunday. It falls each year on the Monday after Easter, which moves because Easter is set by the Christian lunar calendar. This means the date changes every spring.
For many people the day is a quiet time to rest and be with family. It is part of the broader Easter celebration that honors the Christian belief in Jesus rising from the dead. This belief is central to why the day matters to believers.
The holiday also has cultural importance beyond religious meaning. It marks a time of renewal and hope as spring arrives, and it brings communities together for shared reflection and calm.
Because it is an official public holiday most schools and many workplaces are closed. That makes it a widely observed day across Hungary, recognized for both its spiritual message and its social significance.
Traditions
On Easter Monday in Hungary boys and men visit homes to sprinkle water or perfume on girls. They recite short verses while gently splashing. This playful ritual is called locsolkodás and often ends with a small gift.
Girls and women give painted eggs or sweets in return. Many families decorate eggs with wax or brush painting. Children join in egg hunting and craft making at home and school. Folk groups sometimes perform traditional dances in villages and towns.
Food is important. Tables hold boiled eggs, smoked sausages, ham, fresh bread or kalács sweet bread, and horseradish sauces. Families gather to share these dishes and enjoy each other while celebrating the day.
Travel Tips
Many shops, banks and some museums close or have shorter hours on Easter Monday. Public transport runs but timetables can change and trams or trains get busy. Book attractions and restaurants in advance and carry some cash in case cards are not accepted.
Expect crowded parks, plazas and event spots. Keep your belongings safe and use official taxis or ride apps. Walk between nearby sights to avoid traffic. Be polite at public events, carry ID and a phone, and pick quieter times for popular sites to enjoy the day safely.