With Easter just around the corner, below is NH Hotel Group's round up of some of Europe's most enticing celebrations and events for travellers looking to exploit the Easter weekend.

A centuries-old firework display in Florence

Every year on Easter Sunday, Florence's Piazza del Duomo becomes the centre of celebrations with the 'Scoppio del Carro' (translating as 'explosion of the cart'), a pyrotechnic tradition dating back to the First Crusade. Prior to being set on fire, the cart embarks on a procession through the streets of the city and once it reaches Piazza del Duomo, the Archbishop lights and launches a dove-shaped rocket - symbolising the Holy Spirit - and the show begins. Visitors can expect singing, loud bangs and bright colours at this wonderful Florentine spectacle. 

Dating back to the 16th century, the four-star NH Collection Firenze Palazzo Gaddi is the perfect base for a history-packed break. Located in the heart of the historic centre and formally the residence of an Aristocratic Florentine family (the Gaddis), Piazza del Duomo is a five-minute walk from the hotel. The property holds centuries of history, merging two different Renaissance palaces and is dotted with authentic period paintings, sculptures and frescoes, offering guests a truly memorable stay. The rooms are a mix of original Renaissance and contemporary décor and other facilities for guests to enjoy include the Steak Home restaurant, a rooftop bar offering panoramic views over the city and a fish restaurant (Fishing the Roof) also on the rooftop from April to October.  Among the many guests that have enjoyed a stay at the property is 17-century poet John Milton (author of the Paradise Lost poet), celebrated with a plaque in the hotel. 

Prices for a stay at NH Collection Firenze Palazzo Gaddi during the Easter period start from EUR 450* per room per night on B&B. 

Markets galore in Prague

The Czech capital spoils visitors for choice when it comes to Easter markets. With various Easter markets taking place throughout the city until April 16, three not-to-be-missed are those taking place at Prague's three most famous squares: Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square and the Square of the Republic.  Old Town Square alone is set to welcome more than 90 stands offering traditional seasonal products, music and dance performances, craft demonstrations and workshops for the whole family, as well as plentiful options to sample Czech Easter specialties including 'mazanec', a traditional sweet Easter bread.

Conveniently located a short walking distance from Old Town Square, visitors will find the five-star NH Collection Prague Carlo IV, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring the markets. The elegant rooms are contemporarily styled, and guests can relax in the wellness spa, which is one of the city's biggest and has just launched a range of new facial treatments, savour cocktails in the wooden-clad Vault Bar, and enjoy the special Easter menu in the 1890 restaurant featuring Czech traditional delicacies such as lamb cotterless, porchetta and rabbit.

Prices for a stay at NH Collection Prague Carlo IV during the Easter period start from EUR 210* per room per night (room only).

A weekend of indulgence in Europe's 'chocolate capital'

With the smell of chocolate wafting through the streets, Brussels makes an enticing choice for Easter indulgence. With Belgium producing some of the world's finest chocolate, visitors need no encouragement to take a chocolate walking tour or workshop, while those wanting to know more about the history of the sweet treat can do so during a visit to the Belgian Chocolate Village, a museum dedicated to chocolate. Where better to celebrate the biggest chocolate extravaganza of the year than Europe's chocolate capital!

nhow Brussels Bloom offers a unique experience to its guests with an interior adopting the look and feel of an urban art gallery. With sleek and minimalistic rooms designed to be reminiscent of a blank canvas, bathrooms depicting a traditional photography darkroom and entrance spaces bursting with an explosion of colour, the hotel is the perfect base for a chocolate-fixated escape in the heart of Brussels. Additionally, the hotel is in 'Le Botanique' area of the city, a former botanic garden and nowadays a stylish culture centre boasting museums, galleries and green spaces, making it a great choice for culture seekers.

Prices for a stay at nhow Brussels Bloom during the Easter period start from EUR 153* per room per night (room only).

*  Prices can vary and are subject to availability and terms and conditions. Visit www.nh-hotels.com for full details.

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About NH Hotel Group
NH Hotel Group (www.nhhotelgroup.com) is a consolidated multinational player and a leading urban hotel operator in Europe and America, where it operates over 350 hotels. Since 2019, the Company works with Minor Hotels in the integration of their hotel brands under a single corporate umbrella with presence in over 50 countries worldwide. Together, both Groups have a portfolio of over 500 hotels articulated around eight brands: NH Hotels, NH Collection, nhow, Tivoli, Anantara, Avani, Elewana and Oaks - that comprise a broad and diverse range of hotel propositions connected to the needs and desires of today's global travelers.