Talking family, fun and good ol’ Guyanese conviviality

THE warm tropical sun complemented the bright smiles of children this Easter. Thousands gathered across Guyana to raise their kites in unison. The ‘Botanical Gardens’, the National Park, and ‘the seawalls’ were popular spots for families seeking to reconnect with each other, as well as with their heritage.

There are a few elements that define Easter in Guyana: The ever-popular Hot Cross Buns, colourful handmade kites, and opportunity to spend time with family, all contributing to an authentic Guyanese Easter. From families who see the occasion as a time to strengthen bonds, to those who observe its significance, and those for whom the day is part of our identity, Easter holds varied meanings for everyone. Yet, above all, it is undeniably a Guyanese celebration, one where our unity and heritage shine brightly and soar high.

TRADITION, TRADITION
What springs to mind when thinking of Easter? Is it the two-week holiday eagerly anticipated by children, the gatherings and food cherished by others, or the memories of Easters past? For 78-year-old Norma Trotman, Easter is a time for reminiscence.

Born and raised in Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, Norma experienced what many would call ‘an old-time Easter’. For her, as it is today, Easter was among the most anxiously awaited occasions of the year, especially for children. Ms. Trotman recalled that games such as hopscotch, football, and rounders were integral to the celebration. This year, she and her family found themselves at the Kingston seawall.

This marks one of the many Easters Ms. Trotman has spent back in Guyana. Although Guyanese by birth, Ms. Trotman spent many years abroad, and asserts that there is nothing quite like a Guyanese Easter. “I came here twice to fly kite. I live overseas; in the States. It’s always beautiful; I always enjoy it.

That’s why I came back to fly my kite, because, in the States, you hardly ever fly kites.” Nowhere is the spirit of Easter stronger than in Guyana. According to Ms. Trotman, Easter in Guyana is unique. She noted that while Easter is celebrated abroad, it doesn’t hold the same significance as it does here in Guyana.

One of the things that made Easter special back in the day for Ms. Trotman’s was the food. Guyanese have always placed great emphasis on food. For us, it is a way of showing love and expressing our identity. As Ms. Trotman puts it, “The food was delightful; cross buns, vermicelli with currants in it, coconut milk. Coming back to Guyana, it brings back memories of my childhood days.

So, I bring my daughter so she can experience it too.” Amid the celebrations and the vibrant atmosphere of the holiday, Ms. Trotman recalls what the holiday truly means to her: “Well, it’s the resurrection of Jesus,” she said. “So, we came here to go to church, because in many churches overseas, they hardly celebrate it, or they do so in a different way. So I came back to experience the original way Guyana celebrates it.”

FAMILY TIME
The ‘Botanical Gardens’ is one of Guyana’s premier recreational spots, and becomes particularly lively during the Easter weekend. Dozens of families gather in the gardens, under trees and in tents, as hundreds of children attempt to fly their kites. Among these families were the Lees, who came out along with their neighbours, the Ramroops. Kimison Lee, the patriarch of the Lee family, expressed a sentiment many fathers share: Easter is more than flying kites; it’s a time for families to come together.

Working at a demanding job with long hours, Kimison finds it challenging to maker time for family. “I work for the government, so I don’t really have much time to spend with them. And Easter is all about the children.” Easter shines during childhood, with the break from school and the holiday’s excitement. But as much as Easter is about the youngsters, Kimison explained that it’s also a time for adults. “Yes, Easter is for the children,” he said, “but I came out, too, to spend time with them, and to fly kites with them.” For parents everywhere, Easter presents an opportunity to create lasting memories.

REMEMBERING THE SIGNIFICANCE
Amid the celebration and excitement of Easter, it’s important to remember the holiday’s significance. That’s how Akilah Williams feels. The 22-year-old and her two siblings made their way to ‘the Gardens’ from Linden. The family continues to honour Easter while keeping its significance at heart. Growing up in Linden, Akilah recalls Easter being a major event; one for which one prepared days in advance. “Even before Easter began, you could see a lot of kites in the air; hear Gospel music playing, and feel a general sense of anticipation.”

Akilah and her family use this time for reflection. She explained that they treat it as a regular holiday, allowing the children to enjoy themselves while also understanding Easter’s biblical meaning. “We celebrate it as a normal holiday,” she said. “We bring out the children because we want them to experience it; we don’t want them to feel left out.” Reflecting on Easter over the years, Akilah acknowledges that Easter means something different to everyone. Her message to Guyanese this Easter is simple: “Observe the holiday, regardless of how you interpret it.”

As long as kites continue to rise into the sky, and people flock to ‘the seawalls’, Easter will remain a vibrant tradition in the heart of every Guyanese. Whether the holiday is a time for family, fun, or religious observance, one fact remains: Easter in Guyana is unlike any other. So, Happy Easter to Guyanese everywhere, whatever the holiday means to you!