11 Countries Where Easter Celebration Is Not Allowed

Easter is one of the most significant Christian celebrations worldwide. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is marked with religious services, family gatherings, and various cultural events. However, not every country in the world recognizes or allows Easter celebrations openly.

In some places, religious freedom is limited or restricted by the government, culture, or dominant religion. As a result, Christians in these countries may be unable to celebrate Easter publicly, or they may face persecution for practicing their faith.

This article explores 11 countries where Easter celebration is not allowed or where Christians face restrictions in observing the holiday.

1. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is an Islamic kingdom that does not permit the public practice of any religion other than Islam. Christianity, while practiced privately by expatriates and underground believers, is not officially recognized.

As a result, Easter celebrations, church gatherings, or public recognition of Christian holidays are forbidden. Individuals who are caught hosting Easter events or sharing religious content may face arrest, deportation, or other forms of persecution.

2. North Korea

North Korea is one of the most closed and authoritarian regimes in the world. It maintains strict control over religion and expression. Christianity is seen as a threat to the government’s ideology, and any open practice of Christianity, including Easter celebrations, is banned.

Christians in North Korea operate in deep secrecy. Being caught in possession of a Bible or participating in Easter services could result in imprisonment, forced labor, or even execution.

3. Maldives

The Maldives is a Muslim-majority country where Islam is the state religion. Non-Muslim religious practices, including Christianity, are strictly prohibited in public spaces.

While foreign workers may be able to celebrate Easter privately, the local population is not permitted to engage in non-Islamic religious events. There are no official churches, and Easter celebrations are considered illegal for Maldivian citizens.

4. Somalia

Somalia follows a strict interpretation of Islamic law (Sharia). The government does not recognize Easter or any Christian holiday. Public celebrations are not allowed, and Christian converts are at risk of persecution from both the state and extremist groups.

Due to the influence of Islamic militants like Al-Shabaab, even foreign aid workers must be cautious about practicing their faith in the country.

5. Afghanistan

After the return of the Taliban regime in 2021, Afghanistan witnessed an increase in religious repression. Christianity is not recognized as a legal religion, and all open expressions of Christian faith, including Easter, are banned.

Christians, mostly converts from Islam, face extreme danger. Celebrating Easter openly can lead to arrest, torture, or death. Most believers practice their faith secretly and under constant fear.

6. Iran

Iran is a predominantly Muslim country governed by Islamic law. Although some recognized Christian minorities exist, their religious activities are heavily monitored.

Easter can be celebrated only in approved churches by registered Christian denominations. Converts from Islam to Christianity face serious consequences if caught celebrating Easter or attending house churches.

In recent years, authorities have arrested Christians for hosting Easter gatherings in their homes, labeling such actions as threats to national security.

7. Libya

Libya, since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi, has experienced political instability and religious extremism. Christianity is not openly practiced, and public Easter celebrations are considered illegal or dangerous.

Christians in Libya, especially migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa, face persecution, arrests, and violence. Easter gatherings are often conducted in hiding to avoid detection by authorities or armed groups.

8. Pakistan

While Christians in Pakistan are allowed to celebrate Easter, they do so under serious threat. Extremist groups and societal hostility often target Easter services and church gatherings.

Churches are sometimes attacked during Easter, and believers are urged to exercise caution. The government does not ban Easter directly but fails to provide adequate protection, especially in volatile areas.

This constant threat makes it difficult for Christians to fully and freely enjoy Easter in peace.

9. Yemen

Yemen is another Muslim-majority nation where Christianity is not recognized officially. Easter and other Christian holidays are not part of the national calendar, and there are no public celebrations.

Due to ongoing civil war and the presence of radical Islamic groups, Christians must remain underground. House churches are raided, and Christian gatherings, including Easter services, are often disrupted violently.

10. Algeria

In Algeria, there are strict limitations on Christian worship, especially for those not part of the Roman Catholic Church. Protestant churches have been closed in recent years, and Easter celebrations are often prohibited or restricted to small groups.

The government monitors church activities closely. Unauthorized gatherings, including Easter services, can lead to arrests, fines, or shutdowns of church buildings.

11. Bhutan

Bhutan is a Buddhist-majority kingdom where conversion from Buddhism to other religions is discouraged. While the constitution technically allows for religious freedom, in practice, Christian activities like Easter celebrations are limited.

Christians are not allowed to build churches or meet openly. Celebrating Easter is seen as a challenge to cultural values and is therefore done privately or secretly.

While Easter is a time of joy and reflection for millions around the world, it is important to remember those who cannot celebrate it freely. In these 11 countries, Christians either face outright bans or severe restrictions that make it difficult or dangerous to observe Easter traditions.

Religious freedom is a fundamental human right, yet it is still denied to many. As we enjoy our own celebrations, it is essential to advocate for global tolerance and the freedom for everyone to worship according to their faith.

Let us remember and support those who are forced to celebrate Easter in silence, behind closed doors, or under the threat of persecution.