From our hearts to yours, the Home Sharing Support Society BC, wishes you a joyful Easter long weekend. May this time bring you peace, connection, and moments of renewal with the people who matter most. Whether you’re celebrating or simply enjoying a good meal, we hope your weekend is filled with warmth and care.
Easter is a special holiday for many people around the world. It’s mostly known as a Christian celebration, but Easter also includes fun family traditions like egg hunts, chocolate, and big meals. Some countries have their own way of celebrating Easter!
Canada
In Canada, Easter is a mix of religious and fun traditions. Some people also get days off work or school for Good Friday or Easter Monday. People often:
- Go to church on Easter Sunday
- Have Easter egg hunts for kids
- Eat chocolate eggs and Easter bunnies
- Spend time with family and friends
Greece
In Greece, Easter is the biggest religious holiday of the year. People go to church late at night on Holy Saturday, and light candles. They also:
- Eat lamb and special sweet bread called tsoureki
- Paint eggs red, which stands for Jesus’s blood
- Play a game where they tap red eggs together. If your egg doesn’t crack, it means good luck!
The Philippines
In the Philippines, Easter is part of Holy Week, which lasts for several days. Some towns even act out scenes from the Bible in real life, with costumes and performances. People take part in:
- Street parades that tell the story of Jesus
- Church services with songs and prayers
- Big family meals on Easter Sunday
Germany
In Germany, people celebrate spring and Easter at the same time. They decorate trees and bushes with colorful eggs; these are called Easter trees. Other fun traditions include:
- Bonfires to say goodbye to winter
- Chocolate from the Osterhase, or Easter Bunny
- Decorating homes with flowers and bunnies
Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, Easter is called Fasika. It is a very important religious event. Before Easter, many people fast (they don’t eat meat or dairy) for 55 days. On Easter:
- Families go to church for long services
- They eat meat again, like lamb or chicken
- They share meals with friends and neighbors
Italy
Italy is home to the Vatican, so Easter is a big deal there. People often:
- Go to church, especially in St. Peter’s Square in Rome
- Watch parades with music and statues
- Give each other giant chocolate eggs with surprises inside
Sweden and Finland
In these countries, Easter is a mix of religion and fun. Kids dress up as Easter witches and go door to door, giving drawings or cards and asking for candy. It’s kind of like Halloween! People also:
- Decorate with colorful feathers and eggs
- Celebrate the end of winter and the start of spring
Mexico
In Mexico, Easter is part of Semana Santa, which means “Holy Week.” People:
- Act out the story of Jesus in the streets (called Passion Plays)
- Go to church services
- Have big celebrations with food, music, and fireworks
Even though Easter looks different around the world, there are some things most countries have in common:
- Hope and new beginnings
- Time with family and community
- Traditions that make people feel connected
- Celebrations of life, spring, and love
Easter Events in Vancouver – 2025
Here are some exciting Easter events happening in Vancouver and the surrounding areas in 2025:
1. Easter Carnival at Coal Harbour Community Centre: Join the Easter Bunny for activities like arts and crafts, a bouncy castle, and a photo booth. Date: April 19, 2025 Location: Coal Harbour Community Centre Ages: 2–7 Cost: $7/child; $8.50/child day of
2. C3 Church Vancouver Easter Egg Hunt: A community event featuring Easter eggs and hot cross buns. Date: April 20, 2025 Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Location: The Beaumont Studios, 326 West 5th Avenue
3. Easter Bash at Broadway Church: Enjoy bouncy structures, games, and thousands of Easter eggs to find. Admission is free. Date: April 18, 2025 Location: Broadway Church, 2700 East Broadway
4. Big Easter Run at Jericho Beach: A fun run for all ages and abilities. Many people wear Easter-themed costumes. Date: April 19, 2025 Location: Jericho Beach Cost: $26 – 1-3K; $35 – 5K; $37 – 10k
