Easter in Split 2026: Processions, Tradition and an Easter Weekend by the Sea

When Is Easter 2026?

Easter 2026 falls on Sunday, 5 April, with Good Friday on 3 April. According to the Catholic calendar for the Archdiocese of Split-Makarska, Holy Thursday (Mass of the Lord’s Supper) falls on 2 April, Holy Saturday on 4 April, and Easter Monday on 6 April. In Split, the spring sun already warms the stone slabs of the Riva and the Peristyle, and the Mediterranean breeze carries the scent of flowers and fresh pinca from the bakeries. Although the official programme of the Tourist Board has not yet been published for 2026, experience from recent years shows that the city transforms during Holy Week into a calm stage of faith, tradition and spring pleasure.

Easter Programme in Split 2026

Easter Markets and City Events

The official schedule of the “Easter in Split” event for 2026 has not yet been published. In recent years, a diverse seasonal programme under the auspices of the Split City Tourist Board has been organised in the weeks around Easter on the Riva, Trg Gaje Bulata and in Strossmayerov park (Đardin). Based on past practice, this programme includes:

• An Easter market on the Riva and in Đardin, with wooden stalls where local craftspeople and family farms offer decorated eggs, sirnica and handmade souvenirs. Children take part in egg-colouring workshops, and local musicians create a festive atmosphere.
• Lenten concerts and prayer programmes at Trg Gaje Bulata, with performances of sacred music in the days before the holiday.
• Sweet Easter mornings in Đardin, during which decorated eggs and sirnica are distributed and egg games are organised.
• Family programme on Easter Monday with folk performances and creative workshops.

For 2026 a similar concept is expected, but check the final schedule on the official Split City Tourist Board website before travelling. It is worth noting that Easter Sunday and Easter Monday are public holidays in Croatia; therefore many shops are closed or have reduced hours, while restaurants and cafés in tourist areas usually adjust their opening times.

Religious Programme and Easter Services

Split Cathedral of St Domnius, built on the remains of Diocletian’s mausoleum, is the central venue for liturgical celebrations. For 2026 the archdiocese has not yet published a detailed schedule of ceremonies, but the basic order of the Easter Triduum is known:

• Holy Thursday (2 April 2026) – Mass of the Lord’s Supper and the washing of feet rite; the Mass of Chrism is usually celebrated in the morning.
• Good Friday (3 April 2026) – The Celebration of the Lord’s Passion. Based on past practice, the service begins in the evening hours, and after the service the faithful proceed in procession with the cross from the cathedral towards the Peristyle, where a blessing of the city is offered. The exact schedule for 2026 will be published in due course.
• Holy Saturday (4 April 2026) – The Easter Vigil with the blessing of fire and water, which in the cathedral usually begins in the late evening hours.
• Easter Sunday (5 April 2026) – Solemn Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord with the Easter blessing; by tradition it is held in the morning with the participation of the archbishop.
• Easter Monday (6 April 2026) – Masses in the cathedral and city parishes, often with the blessing of children and families.

The regular mass schedule at St Domnius Cathedral during the year (Sundays at 8:00, 9:30, 11:00 and 18:00; weekdays at 7:30 and 18:00) can be used as a guide, but for 2026 be sure to check the official announcements. In addition to the cathedral, Good Friday processions and services are also held in other Split churches; the traditional Way of the Cross from Gospe to Gospe leads from the Riva towards Marjan and gathers the faithful in prayer, although for 2026 the date has not yet been confirmed.

Easter Menus and Dalmatian Holiday Gastronomy

The holiday table in Split reflects the rich Dalmatian culinary heritage. On Good Friday, according to tradition, fasting is observed; dishes are prepared “with oil” without meat – often salt cod, sardines or fish stew. On Holy Saturday, homes fill with the aroma of sirnica (pinca) – sweet loaves enriched with yeast, eggs, butter, raisins and citrus zest. These Easter loaves are taken to be blessed together with a basket that typically contains boiled ham, prosciutto, fresh cheese, spring onions and coloured eggs. After the vigil, the family shares the blessed food with a glass of Dalmatian red wine.

The Sunday Easter lunch often includes lamb or kid roasted in the oven, served with potatoes and spring vegetables, while some families prepare beef pasticada or tuna pašticada. Fritule, kroštule and other Dalmatian sweets can be found in the city’s bakeries. Restaurants and konobe in the Old Town often offer special Easter menus, but specific offerings for 2026 have not yet been published. It is advisable to book a table in advance as family lunches fill most of the seats. Many establishments offer fish menus on Good Friday.

Spring Walks During the Easter Weekend

Split in April enchants with a combination of sea air, the freshness of the pine trees and the bells of St Domnius. A stroll along the Riva reveals palm trees, benches facing the sea and long stone promenades where locals gather for coffee. Passing through the Golden Gate you enter Diocletian’s Palace – a walk through the Peristyle and the narrow alleys offers a special atmosphere, particularly when the bells call to prayer. A gentle climb up Marjan rewards you with a panoramic view of Split, the surrounding islands and Mosor; the path leads through a pine forest where sparse flowers bloom in early spring and sage fills the air with its scent.

April brings pleasant temperatures and longer sunny days. Nevertheless, the occasional spring shower is possible, so bring a light jacket and an umbrella. Travellers wishing to explore the nearby islands (Brač, Šolta, Hvar) should check the ferry schedule, as lines on Easter Monday are often less frequent. In addition, city buses and museums on 5 and 6 April run on Sunday timetables.

Opening Hours and Practical Tips for Easter 2026

• Working days and public holidays: Easter Sunday (5 April) and Easter Monday (6 April) are official public holidays in Croatia, so state institutions, post offices and banks are closed.
• Shops and markets: Most shops close on Saturday evening and reopen on Tuesday; on the Riva and in Đardin only the Easter market stalls are usually open. The Pazar market operates partially on Holy Saturday morning.
• Restaurants and cafés: In the centre of Split, restaurants and cafés have reduced hours. Book a table in advance as family lunches fill most of the seats. Many establishments offer fish menus on Good Friday.
• Public transport: City buses run on Sunday timetables. Ferries to the islands have a reduced number of departures; check the schedule before setting off.
• Food blessing: Baskets containing ham, sirnica, eggs and spring onions are brought to churches for blessing on Holy Saturday evening or early on Easter Sunday. The aroma of fresh ham and homemade loaves spreads through the streets, creating a special atmosphere.
• Respecting customs: On Good Friday in Dalmatia, fasting is traditionally observed and loud activities avoided; the bells are “tied” and replaced by wooden rattles. Visitors are advised to wear appropriate attire for liturgical celebrations.

Conclusion

Easter in Split 2026 will be an opportunity for the city to show its spiritual and cultural side. The bells of St Domnius and processions through the stone streets will serve as a reminder of a centuries-old tradition, while walks along the seafront and in the shade of Marjan will offer respite from the city’s bustle. Visitors who stay for the Easter weekend can surrender to the aromas of pinca and roast lamb, respect local customs and check the official schedules. They will thus experience a holiday that unites the simplicity of Mediterranean life and the spiritual depth of Dalmatia.