The Easter Table – A Place of Gathering

We're celebrating Easter

Easter, the most significant holiday in the Catholic tradition, arrives after 40 days of Lent - a time marked by sacrifice, reflection, and spiritual preparation. In many homes, it is celebrated festively and within the family circle, which most often gathers around the holiday table. On this occasion, the table is richer than usual, both in terms of the abundance of food and the variety of colours and aromas. These aromas begin to spread through the household days in advance, as preparations for various sweet and savoury delicacies begin.

Pinca, sirnica, or pogača - a variety of Easter bread native to Croatia, with its name depending on the region - just might be the most traditional Easter treat. Everyone who makes it surely has a secret for why theirs is the tastiest, but the basic ingredients are the same for all: yeast, flour, and butter. Since these are also the backbone of many other pastries, we looked into data on their production over the past five years.
 

Walnut roll (orahnjača) can be found on many trays filled with sweet delicacies. Many people have commented on the rising price of walnuts in recent years, and there have been significant changes in production as well - in 2014, Croatia produced 2 848 tonnes of walnuts, while by 2023, production had dropped to just 180 tonnes.

When it comes to food and tradition, many would agree that the egg is the ultimate symbol of Easter. They are made into Easter eggs (locally known as pisanice) and used for baking most cakes. After all, a traditional Easter breakfast is unimaginable without them.
 

Eggs are also part of a dish that true fans say is perfect any time of day - breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This dish is the legendary Olivier salad, and although every household has its own recipe, carrots and peas are its common ingredients.
 
 

What might seem like small additions to a festive meal can often make all the difference in flavour. One such ingredient is horseradish. In 2014, Croatia imported 86 542 kg of horseradish. It seems that demand has increased since then; last year, imports rose to 102 471 kg, while domestic production reached 138 tonnes. In 2023, Croatia produced 14 tonnes of radishes, and considering the many fans of onions, it's worth noting that red and white onion production dropped from 28 432 tonnes in 2014 to 17 520 tonnes in 2023.

Most of these ingredients will find their way to the Easter lunch table, but across Croatia, meat specialties will take centre stage - though at a higher price than in previous years. In fact, lamb and kid meat prices in 2024 were up 13.1% compared to 2023, and a staggering 51.9% higher than in 2019. Price increases are also evident in cured, salted, and smoked meats - they went up 5.8% in 2024 compared to the previous year, and 43.7% compared to 2019.

While we all love to treat ourselves and enjoy our favourite sweet and savoury bites in the company of our loved ones, let's not forget that the true spirit of the holiday is spending it in peace and unity with those we love.

Happy Easter!

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