by Ambar Paulina Pelaez Diaz
Excited secondary school students, the laughter filling the air, the aroma of delicious food spreading through the room—everyone eagerly awaiting the final two hours of the day. Time seemed to crawl, and anticipation grew stronger with every passing minute. You might wonder, why all the excitement? Because spring had arrived, and with it, Easter.
Easter wasn’t always a Christian celebration. Originally, it was a pagan festival associated with renewal and fertility—hence the connection to the Easter bunny, a symbol of abundance and new life.
Today, Easter is celebrated in diverse ways around the world. In Spain, Holy Week is one of the most significant events of the year, marked by solemn processions organized by religious brotherhoods. In Italy, particularly in the Vatican, the Pope leads the Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square, followed by the Urbi et Orbi blessing to the world. Meanwhile, in the United States, Easter takes on a more commercial and festive tone, with egg hunts filled with candy and chocolate, and the famous White House Easter Egg Roll drawing families together in joyful celebration.
Though Easter traditions vary—some emphasizing spirituality, others focusing on festivity—it remains a time of gathering, reflection, and joy. The way we observe Easter is shaped by our culture, beliefs, and personal experiences, making it unique to each of us.
At school, we celebrated Easter in our own special way—through fun and educational activities. We explored the origins of Easter, delving into its non-religious history. Then came the best part: the feast! Each seventh-grade student brought something to share, creating a vibrant spread that marked the arrival of spring.
And so, with food, friendship, and learning, we welcomed Easter in our school. It may not have been the traditional celebration with egg hunts or grand ceremonies, but it was filled with the joy of sharing and discovery.
Because, in the end, beyond the customs and beliefs, Easter is about togetherness—a time to embrace life, the renewal of spring, and the simple happiness of being with those around us.
