Greek Easter, superdiversity and religious understanding in early childhood: a small-scale study in a Greek kindergarten

This study applies ethnographic data to examine how young children in a Greek kindergarten perceive and engage with religious and cultural diversity in the context of Greece’s increasing superdiversity. Focusing on the Greek Orthodox Easter celebration as a shared cultural reference, the research examines how children express their personal and collective identities, demonstrate curiosity towards peers from diverse backgrounds, and navigate cultural differences in their daily interactions. The analysis reveals a complex interplay between common cultural traditions and individual interpretations, highlighting an emerging awareness of religious plurality among young learners. By foregrounding children’s perspectives, the article offers an evidence-based contribution to discussions of inclusivity regarding religious and cultural diversity in early childhood education and care (ECEC). At the same time, the findings indicate a significant lack of pedagogical guidance for educators, who often lack systematic approaches for addressing students’ religious identities. This gap restricts teachers’ ability to create inclusive learning environments and may limit the overall effectiveness of diversity and inclusion practices in early childhood education.