Easter Sunday, known as Domingo de Resurrección in Chile, is a significantly memorable celebration in the Christian calendar as it marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, according to New Testament bible narratives. This holiday is greatly special within the Chilean community as its populace predominantly practices Catholicism. Religious processions and masses are held in churches across the country, and the day is observed with a spirit of joy to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus.
Influenced by the South American culture and Spanish colonial heritage, Easter in Chile is not merely celebrated on a single day, but is part of the Holy Week, beginning from Palm Sunday and ending with Easter Sunday. Throughout this period, many Chileans participate in religious activities such as confessions, processions, and dramatized representations of the events leading up to Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. One prominent tradition in Valparaiso, a sea port city and commune in Chile, is the Cerro Baron's Stations of the Cross procession, a somber, captivating procession that takes place on Good Friday. This procession is a religious pilgrimage that includes 14 stations, each depicting an event from Christ's final day.
Conversely, Easter Sunday in Chile also combines an element of joy and merriment for children. The Easter bunny and the tradition of hunting for chocolate eggs, largely influenced by the western world, have been incorporated into the celebrations. The delicious ‘Monas de Pascua’, traditional Easter bread often shaped like bunnies or dolls, is a common treat. As a major religious holiday, Easter Sunday also serves as an occasion for gatherings among families who come together to share a special meal, offering an opportunity for Chileans to connect with their religion as well as to cherish time spent with families and friends.