April is a month rich in celebrations around the globe. From religious holidays and spring festivals to cultural events, each region has its own customs… and culinary specialties! At GlutenEvasion , we'll take you on a world tour of major April celebrations and the traditional recipes that accompany them , often naturally gluten-free or easily adaptable.
🥚 Easter – A universal celebration
Where: Europe, Africa, America, Oceania
When: April 20 and 21, 2025.
The quintessential Christian festival, Easter is celebrated in different cultures, but has one thing in common: the family meal .
- In Italy , people enjoy the Colomba Pasquale , a soft brioche in the shape of a dove.
- In Greece , roast lamb is king, accompanied by tsoureki , a sweet braided bread.
- In Ethiopia , tables are adorned with doro wat , a spicy chicken stew served on injera .
- In France, leg of lamb also holds a place of honor. Served with deviled eggs as a starter, you'll have a classic French Easter meal.
🎯 Gluten-free recipes to explore : Provençal-style leg of lamb , English Simnel or Mississippi Mud Cake .
🌙 Ramadan – Between spirituality and shared feasts
Where: Muslim world (Africa, Middle East, Asia)
When: According to the lunar calendar (often in April, but in March in 2025)
During the holy month of Ramadan , the faithful fast from sunrise to sunset. The evening meal, iftar , becomes a festive occasion.
- In Morocco , they prepare harira , a rich soup with legumes.
- In Egypt , foul medames (stewed beans) is a must-try.
- In Indonesia , meals are often finished with kolak , a dessert made with banana and coconut milk.
🎯 Gluten-free recipes to try : Almond and walnut ghoribas
🌸 Hanami – Flowery picnics under the cherry trees
Where: Japan
When: March to April
Hanami tradition involves admiring cherry blossoms while enjoying a spring picnic.
- Decorated bento boxes, sakura mochi (rice dough and cherry leaves) and colorful dango
🎯 Gluten-free recipes to try : Japanese dango, glutinous rice flour mochi onigiri with gluten-free soy sauce.
💦 Songkran – A boozy and spicy New Year
Where: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Burma
When: April 13-15
Buddhist New Year is celebrated with buckets of water… and tasty food!
- In Thailand , khao chae is a specialty of rice served in fragrant water, accompanied by salty dishes. But Pad Thai is commonly prepared.
- In Laos , they prepare laap , lap or larb , a lemony minced meat salad.
- In Cambodia , amok trei , fish in coconut milk, is a must-try.
🎯 Gluten-free recipes to cook : beef laap , pad Thai , green mango salad .
🌾 Passover – A Passover based on unleavened bread
Where: Jewish world
When: March/April
Passover , or Pesach , commemorates the Exodus from Egypt. For eight days, all leavened foods are avoided.
- The Seder includes matzah (unleavened bread), bitter herbs, hard-boiled egg, and haroset (dried fruit paste).
- Many traditional recipes are naturally gluten-free!
🎯 Recipes to discover : flourless coconut cake , gluten-free matzo balls, apple charoset .
🐟 Feria de Abril – Tapas and Andalusian festivities
Where: Spain (Seville)
When: April (after Holy Week)
During the Feria de Abril , Seville dances to the rhythm of flamenco, between fairs, horses and… good food.
- Tapas, Spanish tortilla , Iberian ham and churros (to be made in a gluten-free version!) are featured.
🎯 Gluten-free recipes to cook : homemade tortilla , garlic sautéed prawns or pádron peppers .
🌱 In summary
April is a true mosaic of cultures, beliefs, and delicious dishes. Whether you're curious to discover other traditions or looking for gluten-free culinary inspiration, these holidays are the perfect opportunity to travel… on your plate!
👉 And you, which April holiday are you looking forward to celebrating this year? Tell us in the comments or on Instagram @GlutenEvasion!
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