–as families celebrate, connect, enjoy festivities of the holiday 

ACROSS Guyana, Easter continues to serve as both a time for family bonding and a vital opportunity for small businesses, with many coming out to embrace the season despite unpredictable weather patterns.

From quiet family outings to vendors depending on holiday sales, the season reflected a blend of cultural, religious, and economic importance.

Many families used the long weekend to reconnect, attend church, and enjoy simple moments together, with kite flying and outdoor gatherings remaining central to the celebration.

At the same time, small business owners continue to capitalise on the increased activity, describing Easter as one of the most important periods for their business.

Young father and family man Micheal Nestor brought his family all the way from the county of Berbice to the Botanical Gardens this year. Nestor and his family travelled from Number 11 Village, West Coast Berbice, where they say Easter celebrations are fast-paced and backed by the constant sound of music.

However, Nestor noted that the Gardens provide a more peaceful, family-oriented atmosphere, which he said is what the celebrations are all about.

He said: “Berbice has beaches and beach parties. Here is more quiet, more family time. In Berbice, people sit and enjoy Easter too, but here there is more time for us to sit and talk, those kinds of things.”

Urging fellow Guyanese to pause and spend time with family this Easter season, Nestor added, “Even if you go to church and celebrate in other ways, [persons must always] come out and spend time with your family and your kids.”

Sharing similar sentiments, Narima Khan said that for her and her family, spending Easter Monday at the Botanical Gardens has become a tradition.

This year, the mother of two came out with her relatives to fly kites, make memories, and reconnect. More than a holiday, Khan said Easter is a time of reflection after a busy start to the year.

She said that while families may get caught up with work, school, and responsibilities, Easter provides an opportunity to slow down and reconnect.

“The weather came out nice, so we just decided to come and enjoy ourselves. Every year, it is a family get-together, like a nice family outing,” she said, adding: “This is something that everybody should do with their family. During the whole year, people working, you’re busy. So getting a holiday, it’s best to spend it with your family. Easter is our culture, and it is a must.”

Samantha Joseph and her family were among the most vibrant groups at this year’s Easter festivities.

Hailing from Parfaite Harmonie on the West Bank of Demerara, Joseph said Easter for them is a time of family and tradition.

Speaking on what she considers the core values of the holiday, she related that Easter is about both family and the resurrection, values she and her family cherish.

“Family is always number one. We’re out here to celebrate Christ, the risen. Because he’s risen. Easter, we always come out and fly our kites and celebrate,” she said.

She added that this year, the family dressed in themed outfits, noting: “All of us come up in a Christian home, so we continue that tradition every Easter. For this Easter today, we’re dressing in blue and white. The theme is blue and white, white jersey, blue jeans. We have games for everyone. We have food and everything well packed.”

Easter is almost as important to businesses as it is to families. Vendor Kennesha Jackman shared that the holiday is a key period for small businesses like hers. From the community of Plaisance, Jackman said vending is her livelihood and the way she supports her children.

GREAT BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Easter, she said, with increased foot traffic and activities, provides valuable opportunities for her business. While noting that many people started kite flying later due to the weather, Jackman said that regardless of conditions, Easter remains a crucial time.

“Easter is Easter, so we know that people will come out, even if later. As a small business it is really important. It is so big that I usually do not bring my daughter out Easter day because I can not really miss Easter day. It is a fruitful day. It is really important to small businesses like me,” she said.

She also urged continued support for small businesses both during and beyond the holiday season.

A year-round fixture at the National Park, Royden Thomas has been a snow-cone vendor for some 15 years. A family man at heart, Thomas said that while he values time with his family during Easter, the holiday is also critical for his business. Although business has slowed in some respects, he remains hopeful.

“As a business owner, Easter means we get more money into the business; it stacks up. We might get a good day. For this Easter time, God gave a nice day today to see everyone come out and fly a kite, so there are people out here celebrating the season,” he said.

Thomas was among the many Guyanese across the country embracing the season, even as traditions evolve and factors like weather influence how the holiday is observed.

For many, Easter remains a meaningful time grounded in faith, reflection, and togetherness, while for others it represents a chance to earn and sustain livelihoods.