Easter 2021 falls on Sunday, April 4th, and there are plenty of fun traditions and activities to partake in during this holiday, which I will get into shortly. We know that a lot of people eat ham and dye eggs during this holiday. So, first, I want to discuss why this is a big tradition.
The tradition of eating ham may seem odd because Jesus was Jewish and wouldn’t have eaten pork. Apparently, this tradition comes more from the timing of Easter. Many years ago, this meat was slaughtered in the fall and left to cure during the winter months. Easter happened in the spring, so this was the time that they would eat the last of the cured meat.
We also know that eggs are a big part of this holiday. According to Farmers Almanac, eggs are “traditionally connected with rebirth, rejuvenation, and immortality.” This idea is reflected in the fact that Easter is celebrated as the resurrection of Jesus, which happens in the spring (which is a time when vegetation, among other things, is “reborn”).
Aside from these traditions, I want to talk about some fun traditions and activities, as well as events that will be occurring throughout the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Easter Traditions for Your Family to Start This Year
Make Easter S’Mores
This recipe can be found at Eclectic Recipes.
Do an Easter Scavenger Hunt
You can find a printable Easter Scavenger Hunt here, turning a traditional Easter egg hunt into a scavenger hunt for your kids!
Do an Easter Craft
I love this Easter craft:
These are Salt Dough Easter Eggs, and you can find the craft at The Best Ideas for Kids.
Challenge your Family to an Egg and Spoon Race!
Of course, all you need is a spoon and egg. You can use plastic or real eggs!
Guess How Many Jelly Beans
Get a jar of jelly beans and have everyone guess how many are in the jar. The person who gets closest to the actual number gets to keep the jar!
Glow in the Dark Egg Hunt
To find out how to do this Easter egg hunt, visit this post.
Now, here are some fun things to do on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Easter Activities on the Mississippi Gulf Coast
1. Adult Easter Egg Hunt
Place: Ocean Springs, MS at the Cypress Taphouse
Date: Friday, April 3
Website for event: Adult Easter Egg Hunt in Ocean Springs
There will be hundreds of eggs hidden inside and outside, and these eggs will include gift certificates, shirts, etc.
2. Biloxi Citywide Easter Scavenger Hunt
Website for the event (go to this site and click on the link for the event to see the flyer): Biloxi Easter Scavenger Hunt
Date: March 27, 9 am-12 pm
Clue sheets are available on the day of the event at Biloxi City Hall. There are candy and prizes such as stuffed animals and Easter baskets, among others. This event is for kids between the ages of 5-11.
3. Breakfast with the Easter Bunny
Date: Saturday, March 27th from 8:30-10 am
Place: Biloxi, MS at the Kroc Center
Website: https://krocmscoast.org/upcoming-events/
Breakfast is by Waffle House, and there will be an Easter egg hunt and photos with the Easter bunny.
4. Golden Egg Hunt and Eggz-otic Easter
Date: Saturday, April 3
Place: Hattiesburg Zoo
Website for event: Hattiesburg Zoo Easter
This hunt can be for both adults and children. All golden eggs will have prizes, with one specialty golden egg that has a big prize. The Eggz-otic part of Easter includes golden goose games, cottontail crafts, splash pad fun, and photos with the Easter bunny (it’s set up to take photos yourself, as there will be no professional photographer).
5. Easter Egg-Stravaganza Drive-Thru
Date: March 23, 6-8 pm
Place: Gulfport Sportsplex
Website for Event: Egg-Stravaganza Drive-Thru
This is a free event, and the Easter bunny will be passing out 500 Easter pails that are filled with candy and small plastic toys. Participants have to stay in their cars, and there is a limit of one pail per child present in the car.
Final Thoughts on Easter Traditions and Activities
I hope this post gives you some ideas of things to do this Easter. Stay safe and enjoy yourselves!