Easter in Guyana
EASTER in Guyana, as in several other countries, is observed by a period of fasting, going to church and the flying of kites. It is also about the Easter Bunny, colourfully decorated eggs, the baking of hot cross buns on Holy Thursday and church services on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Easter Monday is reserved for kite-flying and other forms of revelry. In Guyana, both Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays which add to mood of joy and festivity.
Easter is indeed one of the most important celebrations in the Christian calendar. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. After his crucifixion, death and burial, he rose three days later from the grave which, according to the Holy Books, redeemed mankind from sin.
For many Guyanese, Easter is more than the religious significance associated with the festival.
Kite-flying is fun for adults and children and a wonderful way for families and friends to get together, picnic-style. To a large extent, it is a display of our multi-culturalism and religious diversity which has now become a defining characteristic of our ethno-cultural landscape.
Guyana is today a model of religious and cultural diversity. There is a high degree of religious tolerance, something that cannot be said for several other countries where there are religious and other forms of persecution.
This year’s Easter observances in Guyana come at a time when there was a convergence of the fasting period of all three of the major religions in Guyana,
namely Christianity, Islam and Hinduism as manifested in Lent, Ramadan and Navratri. This unique
8 in which Guyanese from all walks of life and from all religious faiths participated. President Ali has said
anese “to fast together, pray together and stay together as One Guyana.”
As the saying goes, a
convergence has not gone unnoticed by President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who declared a National Day of Fasting and Prayers on April
that the occasion provided an opportunity for persons to join with each other to promote the spirit of togetherness. He exhorted all Guy-
Easter in Guyana this year has found the country on the cusp of major transformation and modernisation. The Guyana economy is soaring to new heights due in large measure to our oil-and-gas resources, which has undoubtedly given the economy a big lift. For this, we have to be thankful even as we remain humble and optimistic that our better days are still ahead of us.
As we seek to advance our own society, let us draw inspiration from the universal teachings and lessons of Easter and rise above the challenges that confront us as we seek to create a n ew Guyana based on the ‘One Guyana’ concept.
nation that prays together stays together and this is one of the main thrusts of the ‘One Guyana’ concept as envisioned by President Ali. This idea of ‘oneness’ transcends the narrow confines of race and politics and has resonated with the vast majority of Guyanese.
Easter Messages
PPP: Let us be inspired by the values of Easter
THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) extends warm Easter greetings to all Guyanese, especially our Christian brothers and sisters, as we observe this sacred and joyous occasion.
Easter holds profound spiritual significance for Christians around the world. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ—a powerful symbol of triumph over suffering, renewal, and everlasting hope.
The message of Easter is one of redemp -
tion, faith, and unwavering belief in the possibility of new beginnings. It reminds us all, regardless of faith, of the importance of compassion, humility, tolerance, and love for one another.
The story of the resurrection is not only central to Christianity, but also offers universal lessons of perseverance, sacrifice, and the belief that light can emerge even in the darkest of moments.
In these teachings, we find encouragement to rise above personal and collective challenges with strength and unity.
In Guyana, Easter is more than a religious observance; it is a celebration of our shared culture and diversity. Across our country, Guyanese from all backgrounds come together in the spirit of
unity, as families and communities partake in the beloved tradition of kite-flying.
This vibrant display in our skies symbolises freedom, renewal, and the joy of togetherness that defines us as a people.
As we celebrate, the PPP also encourages all Guyanese—especially our children and young people— to observe
safety measures while flying kites to ensure that the holiday remains one of joy and peace for everyone.
Let us be inspired by the values of Easter and reaffirm our collective commitment to building a more inclusive, compassionate, and hopeful nation.
Once again, a Happy and Blessed Easter to all!
Easter Messages
PNCR/APNU: Easter reminds us of sacrifice and hope
EASTER is meaningful for all of us as a season to celebrate family fun and unity.
It is a nostalgic experience of better, simpler days — a time of togetherness as parents and children, family and friends, will raise a kaleidoscope of colourful kites in the hopeful skies throughout our beautiful country.
These are times we cherish forever. As the kites are raised and float with their frills in the wind, so too must our hopes for a better Guyana be lifted.
Easter reminds us of sacrifice and hope. Today, our hearts are filled with hope of a brighter tomorrow.
We in the PNCR/APNU recommit to nation-building based on fairness, freedom and justice for all Guyanese as reflected in the spirit of Easter.
Happy Easter!
Easter Hats Anyone?
- Berbician wows with
creative hand-made hats for Easter
WITH the requisite skill, Thashmini Ramhit utilised her talent to create some lovely Easter hats from scratch to sell just for the upcoming Easter holiday.
Although she didn’t have much time on her
year-old daughter. She runs the business from her home as the sole employee.
Ramhit added that she once had an employee, but after some time, the person left, so she decided to operate the business on
hands, she allocated some just to ensure that the children get to experience the joy of wearing a hat specially made for Easter.
It is the perfect place to display her specially made Easter hats, which are on sale for $1,500 to $3,500 each for both adults and children.
The mother of two shared that she has an eight-year-old son with special needs and a two-
The 30-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that she was a teacher for 10 years, but due to personal and other challenges, she had to quit. She embarked on becoming self-employed and established a stationery/ copy centre that offers photocopying, printing, passport photos, and other services, including bill payments.
“I really like Easter, so three years ago I had an idea and started making these Easter hats as samples. They were well-received, so I was encouraged to make more to sell. Ever since, every year around this time, I would ensure I make some Easter hats,” she said.
Ramhit noted that her stationery/copy centre is located at her home, Lot 75 Sheet Anchor, East Canje, Berbice. It is convenient to be at her residence, where the shop is attached. She reported that at times she would get special orders for Easter hats and would welcome the challenge of fulfilling them. With her inborn creative skills, she visualises ideas in her mind and brings them to life through her unique pieces.
Ramhit disclosed that annually when Easter hat competitions are held,
companies order hats from her, and she is usually up for the challenge.
The entrepreneur stated that she tries to create new designs of Easter hats each year to keep them trendy and fresh. So far, it has
been a good experience and a chance to experiment.
Ramhit said she sources materials locally from the city—not from any particular stores—but last
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her own.
The businesswoman stated that there is hardly any time to do much during the hours the shop is open for business—and when it isn’t, she has another full-time job as a mother and wife.
‘Caddy ole punch,’ picnics and everything Easter
THERE is a buzzing in the air, a familiar humming. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s the sound of a “caddy ole punch” dancing with the April winds, indicating that Easter is once again upon us.
Growing up, there were three festivals that I was always anxious to celebrate: Mashramani, Christmas and Easter. It is a well-known tradition for Guyanese/ Caribbean people to fly kites on and around Easter Day.
The seawalls, playfields and local parks attract thousands of kite flyers, picnickers and vendors. And after a two-year hiatus, I’m excited to see Guyanese celebrating Easter in all its glory. So, I’d like to reminisce on the glorious memories I made in the previous years before COVID-19.
FLASHBACK
In anticipation of Easter Monday and kite flying, I would always purchase my kite weeks before the actual holiday; this is a norm for most Guyanese. It was either the easy way out or I’d make my own kite, ripping the pages of exercise books and “stealing” the pointers from my grandmother’s broom along with her spools of thread from her trusty sewing kit.
And not forgetting butchering pieces of
my clothing to make a tail for my kite; this often got me into trouble and I’m sure many of you can relate.
Outside of kite flying, I’ve always looked forward to having picnics with my family. Every Easter Monday,
hand, we would make our way to the Victoria seawall, which is a short walking distance from our home. Sometimes we would head to the seawall from as early as 07:00hrs.
We often came out this early to catch the
our home in the wee hours of the afternoon, exhausted and very much sun- burnt, but always contented and happy and still filled with much energy to do it all again the next day.
EASTER AND ITS
The occasion is a colourful spectacle with kites of all shapes, sizes and colours dominating the skies, while families and friends enjoy a picnic or barbecue on the beach or in the parks.
While attention is
community, as the day marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon of spring. On the days leading up to Easter, several church services are held.
my cousin and I would get well dressed in our best floral dresses and set up a small tent to shelter us from the sun or rain.
With a bag packed with goodies to eat and drink on one shoulder and our kites in the one
“morning breeze” and also because it was less crowded, which meant there were fewer chances of our kites getting entangled with someone else’s, which can often be frustrating.
We would return to
SIGNIFICANCE
Easter, though having a deep religious significance, is traditionally a day for family outings in Guyana. It is a day when the beaches and open spaces are crowded with kite-flyers.
largely placed on the festivities of Easter, the religious side of the festival is very much alive in the various denominations of the Christian community.
It is considered one of the most auspicious days for the Christian
The raising of kites into the skies on Easter Sunday and Monday is said to symbolise the ascension of Jesus into heaven.
(This story was first published in 2022 and written By Naomi Parris)
A local kite maker putting the finishing touches on a kite (Delano Williams photos)
Easter Messages
AFC: Let us take inspiration from the greatest story of renewal
AS Christians across Guyana and the world reflect on the triumph of life over death, light over darkness, and justice over betrayal, the Alliance For Change (AFC) extends Easter greetings to all our fellow citizens.
Easter is not just a religious observance — it is a powerful reminder that after every trial comes transformation. The message of the Resurrection speaks clearly to the moment we now face as a nation: that even in the face of despair
and injustice, renewal is possible. It is a message the AFC takes to heart as we step forward boldly, independently, and with renewed commitment to the people of Guyana. In this sacred season,
the AFC reaffirms its dedication to fighting for truth, transparency, and transformation in our country. We have made the decision to contest the upcoming national elections as an independent party — not as
a gesture of division, but as a clear statement of intent.
This Easter, let us take inspiration from the greatest story of renewal — and resolve to rise together as a nation. Let us turn away from the politics of fear and control, and toward a future built on justice, vision, and love of country.
Better Must Come — and with your support, it will.
Happy Easter, Guyana.
May this holy season bring peace to your homes, strength to your hearts, and a renewed sense of purpose to us all.
Easter Hats...
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year, she went on holiday abroad and brought back some raw materials to make Easter hats for this year.
“I think the prices for my hats are reasonable and pocket-friendly, so
any parent can afford to gift their child one of these handcrafted Easter hats. They can bask in the excitement of showcasing it, owning it, and, of course, feel proud to wear it for the Easter holiday weekend when kite-flying is at the centre of it all,” Ramhit said.
Easter hat-making is a very time-consuming effort. It takes a lot of patience, creativity and skill to produce—but she does it anyway because it brings her immense joy.
Ramhit explained that she often starts well before Easter and works on hat-making at night or during any free time she gets.
She pointed out that what makes the hats so appealing is how eye-catching they are—the colours, the decorations, and the overall design. The finished product, she says, should speak for itself.
An Easter hat is any new or fancy hat worn by women and even children as a Christian head- covering on Easter. It represents the tail end of a tradition of wearing new clothes at Easter, in harmony with the renewal of the year and the promise of spiritual renewal and redemption.
Easter is usually observed in Guyana during a holiday weekend, starting from Good Friday, which marks the end of Lent for Christians, to Easter Monday, when kite-flying is the main activity of the day.
The thrill of kite-making
- Female kite-makers showcase their work on the ‘West Side’
WHAT is Easter without the sweet smell of hot cross buns emanating from kitchens across the nation? What is a Guyanese Easter without families flocking the Georgetown seawall looking for a spot with sufficient breeze to “raise” their kites?
With Easter upon us, Guyanese people are anxious to resume the activities that the infamous corona virus had disrupted.
It is one of the most significant holidays in the Christian calendar. It celebrates Jesus rising from the dead three days after he was crucified.
As one walks down Camp Street and sees the assortment of kites on display, we must thank our local kite-makers for preserving the craft.
Despite being a male-dominated field, this publication discovered women thriving and leading the way with precision and creativity. In fact, as soon as you hit the Vreed-
en-Hoop junction, an array of multi-coloured kites of all sizes catches your eye before anything else.
For Carlotta Peters, the Easter holiday is more than just a time to market kites or turn a profit.
This Crane Village resident, who has been selling kites for more than 20 years, shared with this publication that she and her husband have been working together to create and sell kites at different locations along the West Coast.
Peters continued, saying that she gradually developed a love for the craft, found fulfilment in it, and now treasures it more than ever.
In addition, she got to spend time with her sister, Joanna Payne, and brother, Joshua Payne, as they playfully chatted with her at the booth while greeting customers.
The Crane Village resident noted that she is
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Carlotta Peters and her siblings at her kite-selling stand
Shenisa Rawlins and her kites
GNNL celebrates Easter in style
GNNL celebrates Easter in style
A Guyanese-Easter tradition: Kite-making and flying
THE earliest recorded celebration of Easter comes from the second century, although it has been said that the commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus happened earlier.
Easter, just like Christmas, is a popular Christian holiday, and it is centered on the resurrection of Jesus, three days after his crucifixion, death and burial. By rising three days later, Jesus conquered death and redeemed mankind from sin.
Around the world, Easter is celebrated annually on the first Sunday, which is known as Easter Sunday.
In Guyana, Easter is celebrated along one big weekend from Good Friday until Monday, or as we call it Easter Monday. Like any other country with traditions, kite flying is seen as essential in the celebration of Easter in Guyana.
Trevor Smith, a local kite maker, told the Sunday Chronicle that he has been making and selling kites for over 40 years.
Smith sells his homemade kites on Camp Street, Georgetown just next to Republic Bank.
According to Smith, there is a joy that comes when he makes kites. “You know, it’s something that I do,
feeling happy about my work, joyful because it’s about ensuring that the kids them like what you make, and your kites them are colourful (and) looking beautiful, so it’s an encouragement for all kite shoppers when they see you got some nice colorful kites.”
Smith said he likes seeing that his hard work and determination throughout the year pays off when the season arrives.
“Well, honestly, to tell you what I like, is to see that whole year, the job that you have been sitting down and preparing (for) and ensuring that these kites are made properly and efficiently; You see your returns now when the season is there because you’re patronised and supported by the Guyanese public.”
Moreover, Smith noted that this unwavering support of the public makes him feel good, and is very grateful for that support.
The National Park, and other open spaces are packed with families picnicking in the hot sun, and the bright sky filled with clouds and big colorful kites.
To avoid the heat of the sun, some may take a trip to the pool or to a creek to keep cool.
(This story was first published in 2024)
Veteran kite-maker Trevor Smith with his colourful kites
The thrill of...
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thankful for everything because the fear-filled atmosphere of the pandemic prevented this kind of enjoyment for many.
While it is well known that the corona virus had disrupted various activities, Pe ters provided additional details on how it slowed down her kite-making, since demands were few. Even though many people were unable to go out in public to enjoy a true Guyanese Easter, she would make special orders for those who wanted to fly kites in their backyards with their families.
Despite the fact that Peters is very modest about her trade, the sheer number of years that she has been in the industry shows she is an expert. Who would not want a kite that was carefully and authentically made? How often have you been to the Georgetown Seawall and witnessed individuals battling to raise their kites? A kite is made to fly, so it needs to be treated like a
piece of art. Whether the tail is too long or short, the loop is not set properly, or the kite is poorly designed are signs of a kite that was simply not made properly.
Peters also acknowledged that although making kites is tedious, she finds fulfilment in seeing children’s smiles.
“To the end, we want children to be satisfied and happy,” she stated.
PATIENCE IS KEY
Thirty-seven-year-old Shenisa Rawlins, who has been making kites for 16 years, has made a name for herself in the kite-making field. What started as a hobby slowly developed into a passion for Rawlins, as she admitted that at first, she was not keen on pursuing it entirely, but now, she does it for people.
While it is just once a year, Rawlins noted that she gives it her all to make kites for people of all ages to love and enjoy. Also, as people flocked to her stall in search of the perfect kite,
patrons shared in an invited comment with this publication that she takes pride in her work and they admire her kites.
Nobody wants to show up on Easter Day with a kite that can’t ‘raise,’ so Rawlins explained to the three elements that are essential to creating a successful kite.
She emphasised the importance of focus, saying that getting the kite “right” requires concentration, because mastering the craft is a discipline.
Because family is a top priority regardless of the season, Rawlins makes an effort to spend time with her daughter on special occasions and days when she is out selling kites.
Additionally, her 15-year-old daughter shared with this newspaper that in addition to helping her mother, she also makes a few kites on her own.
(This story was first published in 2023 and written by Trina Williams)
Shenisa Rawlins’ booth
