Lifestyle & Culture

The festivity of Easter

April is often a time of holidays, quarter-year reflections and of course, Easter. For some Easter might have special religious significance. For others, Easter is a time of cultural and social importance where Easter eggs and Easter buffets take up their day. And for Sri Lankans across the world, Easter marks the remembrance of the Easter Sunday attacks that occurred in 2019.

“For me, Easter is a time of great spiritual importance,” Anne Abeyratne, 34 told The Daily Morning Brunch. “It’s a time where I am grateful for my faith and l use the season to bond with my church and my community.”

Easter will fall on the fifth of April this year. To understand the significance that Easter has on all of us, we spoke to some of our readers on what Easter means to them.

The Easter spread

Many of us are often used to the traditional Easter treats like Easter Eggs and Hot Cross buns. It reminds us of our childhood and the happiness we felt when we got our favorite food.

“I used to love the homemade spread my dad used to make,” Jeremy Almeida,22, said. “As an adult, I do not have the time to create these treats and ingredients are way too expensive.”

Almeida said that he often frequents Easter buffets after church in order to relieve his memories.

“Easter is something so special to me and my boyfriend because it reminds us of home and family,” he said. “So, we often visit hotel buffets in order to celebrate Easter.”

Popular hotel chains such as Shangri-La Colombo and Hilton feature Easter Sunday Brunches featuring classic food like cupcakes, hot cross buns and classic chocolate Easter eggs.

“Easter is a time where people get together,” Kesha Kalpage, 32, said. “And nothing brings people together like food.”

Family time

Beyond buffets and dining out, Easter is also a time many use to reconnect with family. With schools closed and workplaces slowing down for the long weekend, the holiday creates space for people to spend time at home.

“For us, it’s one of the few times everyone is actually free,” Abeyratne said. “So we try not to plan too much and just spend time together.”

In many households, Easter is marked by simple gatherings rather than grand parties. Families meet, catch up and spend a few hours together without fixed plans.

“We don’t really do anything big,” Hilary Nonis, 30, said. “It’s more about being at home and relaxing with family.”

Creative activities have also become part of how some people mark the day, particularly in homes with children. Painting Easter eggs, decorating small treats and making crafts are common ways to keep younger family members engaged.

“My niece loves painting Easter eggs,” Kalpage said. “It’s something small but it becomes a group activity because everyone ends up joining in.”

These activities are often informal and do not require much preparation. Some families use materials they already have at home, while others pick up simple craft kits from supermarkets and bookstores.

“It’s not about doing it properly,” Kalpage said. “It’s just something to do together.”

For many, these quieter moments have become more important over time.

“As you get older, you realise it’s not really about going out and showing off on Instagram," Almeida said. “It’s about spending time with people you don’t always get to see.”

A City in transition

Easter is also reflected in Colombo’s public spaces, though in a more subtle way compared to other festivals. In the weeks leading up to the holiday, supermarkets, malls and cafes begin to introduce seasonal products and decorations.

Chocolate displays, themed packaging and small decorative items become more visible, signalling the start of the season.

“There’s definitely more marketing around Easter now,” Kalpage said. “You see it in supermarkets, cafes and even online.”

While these changes are not as large-scale as other celebrations, they are noticeable enough to shape the atmosphere of the city.

“It’s not super obvious but you can tell it’s Easter,” Almeida said.

At the same time, how people choose to engage with the holiday varies. Some prefer to go out and socialise, while others keep their plans minimal.

“It depends on the year,” Abeyratne said. “Sometimes we go out, sometimes we just stay home.”

Remembering 2019

Easter in Sri Lanka is also tied to the memory of the 2019 Sri Lanka Easter bombings. The attacks continue to shape how the day is perceived, even as people mark it in different ways.

“It’s something you don’t forget,” Almeida said. “Even if you’re doing something casual, it’s still there in your mind.”

For many, the day includes a moment of acknowledgement, even if they are not attending formal events.

“It changed how people look at Easter,” Abeyratne said. “Many social media posts remember all the lives lost and I still remember how devastated I was when I heard of the incident.”

Changing traditions

The way Easter is observed in Colombo has shifted over time. While some continue with long-standing practices, others have adapted their routines to fit current lifestyles.

“There’s less pressure to celebrate in a specific way,” Fernando said. “People just do what works for them.”

This includes smaller gatherings, meeting friends instead of extended family, or choosing to spend the day quietly.

Cost and time also play a role in shaping these decisions.

“You have to be practical,” Kalpage said. “People still want to mark the day but rising costs often mean smaller tables and more creative menus.”

Despite these changes, Easter remains a recognised part of the calendar. Whether through time spent with family, small creative activities or simply taking a break, it continues to influence how many people in Colombo spend a day in April.

source: The Morning