One of the best times to take a holiday is at Easter. That’s when the weather is slowly changing and spring is in the air. Plus, unlike summer, wherever you travel to will have fewer tourists. So if you are thinking of taking a break, go to places which celebrate the festival with unique customs and traditions. You are sure to have one of the best Easter breaks you’ve ever had.

The Big Apple is hardly a place you associate with tradition. So you will be surprised to know that New York’s Easter Bonnet Parade was first begun in 1870. Being in New York, it’s naturally quirky. There are no music bands and grand floats at this parade. Instead, you will find New Yorkers wearing the most creative hats and bonnets walking down 5^th Avenue. The Avenue remains closed for traffic during the day. There will be drag queens in their sequined finery, fashion divas strutting the latest fashions, political activists walking alongside proud owners with their pets as well as an assortment of people, all wearing eye-popping headgear. Tourists also join this informal parade. Parents take their kids to Central Park where egg hunts and other activities are organized for kids. Any time is a great time to visit this vibrant city and Easter is a good excuse.

With the Vatican almost a part of Italy, most Italians are devout Christians and most of their celebrations revolve around the church. The city of Florence has the unusual custom of a wooden cart being drawn by white oxen. The cart is packed with fireworks which are set alight after the cart makes its way through the city’s cobbled streets and arrives at the church. The fireworks display is simply outstanding and the ringing of church bells in the background just adds to the wonderful spectacle. The city of Prato in Italy also celebrates Easter with much fanfare. Italy is overrun by tourists in summer, so for a quieter time, visit it during Easter or even in December when you can enjoy a great Christmas break at ski resorts in the Abetone region of Tuscany.