As the days slowly begin to stretch out and the sun makes more appearances, the gray, cold days of winter are fading, and spring is around the corner. What better way to celebrate the impending warmth and greenery than with a market! “Ostermärkte,” or Easter markets, pop up with vibrant hues during the Lent season each year. Similar to the infamous Christmas markets, these colorful markets are a rite of passage into spring.

Commemorating the resurrection of Jesus, Easter is a four-day affair beginning on Good Friday and lasting through Easter Monday. Many traditions which originated in Germany have carried on throughout the world, most famously the “Osterhase,” the Easter Bunny. Dating back to the 1600s, clever parents would tell stories of the sneaky hare who would leave behind colorful eggs for children to find. Two of the world’s oldest Easter eggs were actually found in the sarcophagus of a child believed to have been from the 4th century.

Today, Easter eggs are a staple found at the spectacular markets which typically begin after Ash Wednesday. With local vendors and craftspeople showing off their wares, the choices are seemingly endless. Ranging in size and price, eggs can be found plainly decorated for a few euros or completely decked out with crystals and jewels fetching thousands of euros. Once you’ve found the perfect eggs, be sure to stop by the flower vendors for budding tree branches. Place them in a vase and voila! An instant “Osterbaum,” Easter tree. Or hang the boughs from the ceiling over your kitchen table and decorate with your newfound treasures for a stunning Easter wreath.

Although the Ostermärkte aren’t quite as robust as the “Christkindlmärkte,” Christmas Markets, (there’s no glühwein), you can discover a peak at the spring bounty. Sample delicious “Spargel,” asparagus or the famous Hessian green sauce made of seven herbs in creative culinary dishes. Wander through the charming Altstadts and check out the “Osterbrunnen,” or Easter fountains. Adorned with greenery, town fountains are decked out in a vast kaleidoscope of colored eggs. Many markets feature games, crafts, food and plenty of live entertainment for everyone.

Where to go

Check out the Seligenstadt International Easter Egg Market near Wiesbaden. Artists from around the globe proudly display and sell their dazzling works of art. Just outside of the Kaiserslautern Military Community (KMC) is the enchanting village of Sankt Wendel. Visitors are welcomed with the sight of a huge crown of brightly decorated eggs, a petting zoo and plenty of vendors. Better known for its Spargel festival later in the spring, Schwetzingen near Stuttgart puts on a fabulous Easter market. Located at the castle, watch craftspeople work their magic on the delicate decorations. Not to be outdone, the historic city of Nuremberg transforms its old town into a maze of varying shade of spring pastels. Whichever one you choose, enjoy the unique beauty of this German tradition. Frohe Ostern!