Easter Sunday in the Corn Islands

The Sunday following Good Friday is universally recognized among the Christian community as Easter Sunday or Sunday of Resurrection. On this day, believers commemorate the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified atop Golgotha, a hill outside Jerusalem, as recounted in the Gospels of Mark, Luke, John, and Matthew.

The introduction of Christianity to the Corn Islands dates back to 1852, following the establishment of the Ebenezer Baptist Church by Reverend Edward Kelly. Since then, various Christian denominations, including the Moravians, Catholics, Adventists, Anglicans, Pentecostals, and Evangelicals, have established their presence on the islands.

Easter Sunday holds special significance for the Christians residing on the Corn Islands, as they come together to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. Across the islands, most churches, particularly the Moravian, Anglican, Baptist, and Catholic congregations, gather at the graveyard around 5:00 a.m. to conduct a service honouring Jesus's resurrection and commemorating those who have passed away.

For instance, in South End, the Anglican Church has long held a service known as Sunrise at the cemetery, which overlooks the sea and offers a perfect view of the sunrise. The cemetery itself is aptly named Sunrise.

In North End's Francisco Siu graveyard, the Moravian Creole Church typically hosts the service, with members from Baptist and Catholic churches joining them in singing hymns and offering prayers. Meanwhile, on Quinn Hill, the Baptist Church leads the celebration.

Throughout the day, each church individually observes Easter Sunday, reflecting on the significance of this biblical event. In some churches, such as the Baptist Church, children recite poems and the choir sings hymns of joy. Families who observed fasting typically resumed eating red meat on this day.