EVE OF EASTER

Large mass of people go to church with candles which are lit during a colorful Easter Mass service which begins at about 6 p.m. and praying until 3 am until it is announced that Christ has risen!
This, in dramatic contrast to the brilliant jewel colors of the ceremonial velvets and satins of the priests’ robes and sequined velvet umbrellas, make this festival entirely splendid.
Everyone goes home to break the fast with the meat of chicken or lamb, slaughtered the previous night after 6 p.m., accompanied with injera and traditional drinks. Like Christmas, Easter is also a day of family re-union, an expression of good wishes with exchange of gifts (i.e. lamb, goat or loaf of bread).
Gifts are prepared for children and most people are resplendent in their best clothes, usually the dazzling white traditional dress.