By: Monica Aviles
Many Christians around the globe celebrate Easter with church services, family gatherings, music, or even egg hunting. It is a holiday to commemorate Jesus’ resurrection from death (according to the Bible).
Easter Sunday was on April 12, but this Easter seemed different due to the pandemic, restrictions, etc.
Over 1.5 billion of people worldwide, have been asked to stay home and quarantine amid this pandemic. Thousands of stores, schools, and parks have been closed temporarily. These precautions cancelled annual traditions for Easter such as festivals, parades, etc. It cancelled family gatherings, barbecues, and parties.
Madison Zamora, ‘22, celebrated a great Easter last year with her family where they did egg hunts and other fun, festive games. But this year, it was extremely different, “This Easter wasn’t even mentioned in my head or thought about. The virus was the event that was thought about more and so my family and I weren’t really able to do or enjoy Easter this year.”
Even her yearly tradition of going to her grandmother’s house was cancelled, “We didn’t get to do that this year because my grandma was awfully scared and serious about the virus.”
However, Easter was not cancelled, “I was thankfully still able to spend time with the family I live with. We may be quarantined, but that doesn’t take away our Easter spirit. My sister and I had a photo shoot at the park and we also had a painting party.”
COVID-19 cancelled many Easter traditions, but it did not stop people all around the world from celebrating the holiday. People created new ways and alternatives for celebrating it, they were still able to connect with their families and neighborhoods.
Some churches streamed their services online to obey the restrictions on containing COVID-19. Other churches held “drive thru” services. Many families prayed in their own homes, or prayed outside with their neighborhood. Churches, organizations, and neighborhoods also held “drive thru Easter egg hunts,” where the volunteers would give Easter eggs to the people in their vehicles, some even gave out rolls of toilet paper.
Parents tried their best to still have an exciting, memorable, and fun Easter. Parents and families created social – distancing egg hunts, virtual egg hunts, crafts, etc. Families exchanged gifts to one another, and for the relatives they weren’t able to see, they called or face timed them throughout the day.
Brianna Martinez, ’21, also celebrated Easter this year with her family. “My family loves to throw a good party so we usually go to my grandma’s house where my whole family comes over.”
Due to the restrictions for containing COVID-19, Brianna was not able to see her family, but still celebrated with her mom and siblings. “I was able to throw my younger brother and sister an Easter egg hunt with my mom. My mom and I also made lots of food.”
She thinks this Easter was a great memory and was a nice way to fill in all the boredom and stress.
Easter looked different this year… but the faith and hope still remain.
Monica Aviles
Monica Aviles ('21) is a senior, and is in her second year of writing for the arts & entertainment section. The majority of her writing revolves around culture, activism, and different forms of art. Outside of the Gigantea, Monica is on the girl's wrestling team, president of the asl club, and is involved with many other clubs like Red Ink. You can reach her by email at monic.av3959@vusd.us
