Christians begin the special observances of Holy Week, today, Palm Sunday, which begins the week of activities whereby Christians wave palm branches and walk through the streets singing hymns and songs of praise.
Holy Week marks the final week of the Lenten season, a time of fasting, repentance and preparation for Easter.
On Palm Sunday, Christians hold large processions through Georgetown and in New Amsterdam. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Georgetown usually holds a Palm Sunday Procession through the streets of the city, leading to the Georgetown Cricket Club Ground in Bourda where an open- air Mass is said for Palm Sunday.
In New Amsterdam, the Christians process through Main Street and Strand, waving palm branches. Holy Week continues with another important day, Holy Thursday, where the Last Supper is remembered.
There is the symbolic washing of feet, especially in the Catholic tradition as well. The week’s activities climax with the reading of the Passion of the Christ on Good Friday. Many churches hold the customary three-hour long Good Friday services, in recognition of the three hours that Jesus spent on the cross.
Roman Catholics read the Passion story and venerate the crucifix. It is the most solemn day for Christians, who fast and meditate on the sufferings of Jesus.
Holy Week comes to an end with Holy Saturday when late-night church services usher in Easter Sunday. New persons are baptized into the Christian religion and the bells ring out at midnight, marking the start of the most joyous and important festival in the Christian church, the resurrection of Jesus.
The new fire is blessed and the Easter Candle is lit as well.
Guyanese usually come out in their large numbers to fly kites at Easter, symbolising the risen Christ.