Easter is one of the most important holidays in the Christian calendar. It represents a period when we pass through death into a new life, and join Christ in his sufferings and death.
But to many of us, traditional fun based on the Easter Bunny and chocolate eggs are just as much a part of the holiday.
Where Did The Legends Of Easter Come From?
Eggs have always been a symbol of Easter, since they represent Jesus’ resurrection. The Teutonic deity Eostra was the goddess of spring and fertility. Her symbol was the rabbit because of the animal’s high reproduction rate. So the rabbit because synonymous with new life and rebirth.
As is often the case, these different beliefs became merged over time. In the 16th Century stories got published about rabbits laying eggs and hiding them in a garden. The tradition of making nests for the rabbit soon followed. Those nests became baskets, and the eggs swapped for chocolate and other treats.
Easter In Today’s Society
Both Christians and those of other faiths appreciate that Easter is a family holiday. The paid days off of work give us a wonderful opportunity to be social with family, friends or brethren. And luckily there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Gaborone over this extra long weekend.
Here are ideas of activities that you can do with your children over each day of the Easter Holiday.
Friday Morning: Make Easter Baskets
I remember making all sorts of different types of Easter Baskets when I was a child. So it was a tradition I wanted to carry on with my own girls.
Last year my eldest daughter was only two years old, so while she napped I made her a basket that I knew she’d get excited by. It was her first egg hunt so she didn’t know and appreciate what an Easter Basket was for… but a cute one that looked like a bunny? THAT she would love!
With 2 hours, a bit of coloured paper, pom-pom and glue I made her a tissue box easter bunny basket using this tutorial.
It was very easy to make and she loved it, so I look forward to making one again this year, with her little sister too. When it came to Easter morning and having an egg hunt around our house and gardens, she LOVED using her little bunny basket!
Friday Afternoon: Easter Spit Braai at No ! Ladies Coffee House
Mmmmm lunch at No.1 Ladies Coffee House… This favourite family-friendly restaurant is entertaining enough on a regular day, but this is going to be fantastic! Mimi and her team are bringing in a mini petting zoo of bunnies and chicks, and they’ve got lots of other activities like Easter Egg painting planned to keep the kids entertained for the afternoon.
But really, it’ll be about the food. Mimi and her team offer up some of the best special event buffets in town so we’re confident that the lamp spit (with vegetarian options of course) will be tasty for everyone in the family.
Saturday Morning: Visit the Easter Market at Sanitas
Sanitas has always been a family favourite, but when Julia Farmer and her friends host a market at Linneaus behind the tea garden there’s even more reason to attend. There will be lovely homemade and unique products for sale.
The new menu at Sanitas is excellent; they’ve added some wonderful new dishes and really upped the quality of the food. So you can either grab some takeaway snacks from the market or sit down for a yummy brunch/lunch at the tea garden.
Sanitas is open for their usual hours on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, but they’re closing on the bonus holiday day, Tuesday.
Saturday Afternoon: Italian Lunch at Basilico
This isn’t exactly an Easter event, but it’s a very fun afternoon that deserves a mention. Basilico Italian Restaurant recently started doing special Food, Fun and Family afternoons on Sundays. This week they’re hosting it on Saturday as they’ll be closed on Easter Sunday and Monday.
Children can choose from an excellent menu of kid-friendly dishes, or even get busy rolling and topping their own pizza. There’s a jumping castle, live music, and Mr. Banana, a local clown who is a true artist with face painting.
Saturday Afternoon: Take Part in an Easter Egg Hunt At Lily’s Petting Farm
The Egg Hunt at Lily’s Petting Farm is a super fun afternoon. Entry costs P60 per person which includes: access to the gardens and play area, a visit to the animals, and a sugar-filled egg hunt.
They run the event over all four days of the holiday, so there’s plenty of time to go. But the hunt itself is from 2-3pm each day so don’t miss out on that action! Last year our 2-year old managed to “find” 2 or 3 marshmallow eggs hidden in plants and play equipment. If you’re taking young kids, know that the hunt moves very fast, and there are big kids who can get pushy.
Sunday: Have an Indoor Egg Hunt at InPlay
Since InPlay is new, it’ll be a surprise for us all to see what their egg hunt is like! But they’ve said that they’ll be doing two hunts: one in the toddler area and one in the main play space, so children of all ages will get to have fun finding treats from the Easter Bunny.
They’re offering their Easter Egg Hunts over different time blocks, so you can book to go for the 10am, 12pm, 2pm, or 4pm egg hunt. The hunt will be at the start of this time, so don’t be late! Tickets are 160 BWP per child which includes the Easter Egg Hunt, lunch for the children and entry to the playground for two hours. Suitable for children from 0-13 years of age.
Monday: Watch Peter Rabbit at New Capital Cinemas
We’re very excited about this film adaptation of Beatrix Potter’s classic tale about a rebellious rabbit trying to sneak into a farmer’s vegetable garden. It opens in local cinemas on Friday 30 March. The film is a live-action and CGI comedy starring James Cordon, Margot Robbie, and Daisy Ridley. We don’t know for sure, but NCC will likely show it at their Riverwalk and Game City locations at 11:00, 14:00, and 15:15 or so.
Other events in town this Easter include:
- “I Am Because I Am” Kiddies Book Launch at Bounceland, Saturday 31 March from 10am-12pm
https://www.facebook.com/events/153519242020711/
- Choppies Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday 31 March at the Gaborone Club
https://www.facebook.com/events/434924400271699/
- Easter EGGstravaganza Inflatable Madness at Airport Junction Mall, on daily from now until 8 April
https://www.facebook.com/events/803523583165772/
So there you have it, folks… a round-up of events in town this Easter, besides the religious and family festivities. Have a wonderful holiday filled with fun and family!
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