Easter in Guyana is often notably marked by tasty hot cross buns, kite flying by the beachside, or long weekend holidays. It can also be an important season that promotes regrowth, renewal, and a sense of hope. Many young people in Guyana often use this season to reconnect with Christianity and express their faith through meaningful community service projects in observance of the Lenten season.

From the coastlands of Georgetown all the way to the rural hinterland communities, you would find young Guyanese participating in meaningful events and activities to observe the Easter season. During this season, young people often take part in church activities such as Holy Week church cleaning, pilgrimages, retreats, or even kite-flying events. Many church youth groups prepare and rehearse plays or dramatizations of the Passion of Christ. On Easter Sunday morning, young people often perform melodious songs and music to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus while sharing cross buns for breakfast with the congregation.

Easter can also serve as a period of renewal of faith for many young people. During this time, they recommit themselves to attending church regularly and participating more actively in church activities. Unfortunately, many factors create a rift between young people and the church. As such, this period serves as a reminder that even when things seem lost—whether it’s a sense of purpose, peace, or belonging—God is always working behind the scenes to bring new life.

Beyond the religious observances, Easter Monday is celebrated culturally through kite making, kite flying, “bush cooks”, and fishing expeditions—just to name a few. In recent years, many young people have been constructing creative kites such as boat kites, box kites, and even cartoon character kites. Kite flying remains a symbol of Jesus Christ’s resurrection. Many Guyanese from various cultural and religious backgrounds gather to observe this symbolism at open fields, beaches, and parks all across the country.
Amidst the fun activities, young people often reflect on the true meaning of Easter and how the lessons of the season can be applied in daily life. Guyana is blessed to have young people all across the country who are actively participating in church activities as they try to keep Guyanese Easter traditions

alive. The passion and commitment shown during Easter time in churches—and, by extension, in communities—shows how vital it is for young people to participate in cultural and religious activities continuously.
It is also important that the older generation continue to welcome younger Guyanese with open arms to religious and cultural activities. Young people might sometimes want to add their own creativity and enthusiasm to events, and with the necessary guidance—they can. Oftentimes, the older generation is resistant to change, but change is sometimes necessary to adapt to the changing world.

As we all celebrate Easter, I want to encourage you to continue supporting, guiding, and mentoring young people through their faith—not just in Christianity. Their passion, enthusiasm, and vision lie in the hope of a brighter, more religious Guyana.