📍 The popular locations for the festival include Catholic Churches and other Christian Churches (for religious celebrations), Queen’s Park Savannah (for kite flying), beach activities at Maracas, Las Cuevas, Mayaro and Los Iros (for camping and sea bathing), and Santa Rosa (for horseracing).
Description
Rooted in the Christian faith, Easter celebrations begin with Good Friday church services and re-enactments of the Stations of the Cross commemorating the sacrifice of Christ. Tradition in Trinidad sees the Good Friday Bobolee, a symbolic stuffed doll representing Judas Iscariot, placed in public spaces and humorously beaten by passersby, signifying betrayal and showcasing light-hearted cultural creativity.
Brief History
Easter festivities are rooted in Christianity and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, three days after his death. Each year, Holy Week commences on Palm Sunday, one week before Easter Sunday. In Trinidad and Tobago, churches as part of the easter celebrations commemorate Palm Sunday by distributing palm leaves to followers at the church service. On Good Friday, the day before Christ’s death, the Roman Catholics retrace his steps on the journey to his crucifixion. Church services are hosted throughout the rest of the weekend, and end with the largest celebration on Easter Sunday.
Points of Interest
Easter is a very important celebration on the Christian Calendar, as observances are based on the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christians attend Church services and other rituals in the weeks leading up to the holiday. The sale of hot cross buns by several bakeries across the twin island is a popular tradition. Easter activities include horse racing at the Santa Rosa Racing track in Arima or a refreshing ‘dip’ at one of many beaches.
