In Spain and France, Easter – known as Semana Santa and Pâques – is not just about chocolate! The celebrations are filled with traditions that reflect each country’s history, language, and values. Learning a language is so much more than grammar and vocabulary – it’s about connecting with real people and understanding how they live, think, and celebrate. Studying traditions like Semana Santa in Spain or Pâques in France gives students a richer, more human connection to the language they’re learning.
For MFL teachers, these celebrations offer a perfect opportunity to bring culture to life in the classroom! Learning a language isn’t just about words – it’s about people, traditions, and ways of life. Exploring another country’s traditions helps students see the world from different perspectives. They start to understand that their way of doing things isn’t the only way – and that’s a powerful life lesson. Language is tied so closely to identity and culture. By learning about traditions, students start to see how language reflects values, beliefs, and daily life in that country.
Learning about different Easter traditions helps students see similarities and differences in a positive way – encouraging curiosity rather than stereotypes.
Ideas for the MFL Classroom:
In Spain, Easter is a powerful and emotional event known as Semana Santa (Holy Week). It takes place during the week before Easter Sunday and is especially important in southern cities like Seville, Granada, and Malaga.
What makes it special?
- Processions: Huge religious parades take place in the streets, with floats (pasos) showing scenes from the last days of Jesus’ life. They’re decorated with candles, flowers, and lifelike statues.
- Penitents: People dressed in robes and tall pointed hoods (nazarenos) walk in silence, sometimes barefoot, as a sign of reflection or penance.
- Saetas: A special type of song, often sung from balconies during the parades. They are passionate and full of emotion—like flamenco but religious.
Useful links:
Easter in Spain – Euroclub Schools
Spanish Easter classroom ideas – Spanish Mama
In France, Easter is known as Pâques. While it is also a religious holiday, it is celebrated in a quieter and more family-focused way than in Spain. However, it’s still very rich in traditions!
What makes it special?
- Flying Bells (Les Cloches): French children are told that church bells fly to Rome on Good Friday and return on Easter Sunday bringing chocolates! That’s why Easter chocolates in France are often shaped like bells, not just eggs.
- Egg Hunts (Chasse aux œufs): Just like in the UK, egg hunts are popular. Parents or local councils hide chocolate eggs in gardens or parks, and children race to find them.
- Family Meals: Easter Sunday often includes a big family lunch. The traditional meal is roast lamb (l’agneau pascal), served with spring vegetables.
Useful links:
French Easter traditions – Simple video
Les traditions de Pâques – Pour les jeunes
Les Cloches et les œufs – Animation
French Easter poem PPT – Light Bulb Languages
Bringing cultural traditions into language learning is not just about “fun extras”, however. It brings much more than that. It’s about helping students become thoughtful, curious, and culturally-aware language learners—who don’t just speak the language, but truly understand the people who speak it. Cultural awareness must be a key part of the curriculum across the UK and beyond. It prepares students for global citizenship, travel, study abroad, and work in an increasingly inter-connected world.
