Today marks the beginning of Easter Weekend, one of the widely celebrated holiday seasons across the world.

In Rwanda and many other countries with strong Christian traditions, Good Friday – the day on which Jesus Christ is believed to have been crucified – and Easter Monday are public holidays, making Easter Weekend a four-day holiday.

Easter is as much a commemoration as it is a celebration. It is that time when families gather to share and bond further and friends reconnect and have fun.

Yet the meaning of Easter often times gets lost in these festivities, with some even engaging in excessive indulgence.  This should not be the case.

If you are the type that likes to go out on such days to enjoy with family and friends it is vitally important that you celebrate responsibly.

One of the most common unacceptable acts is drinking and driving, which contributes significantly to fatal road accidents not only in Rwanda but globally. If you are going to the bar to drink and are driving, please find a driver, or a friend who does not take alcoholic beverages so they can drop you home later. It is illegal to drink and drive!

But celebrations go beyond drinking. For some it means engaging in sexual intercourse even with people who are not their partners. If you must do it please stay safe and healthy – have protected sex. But we’d advise that you abstain, it’s the best way to stay safe. 

Easter is also about sharing. Not just with family and friends. Find someone in need and celebrate with them. This Easter season let’s visit and share with Incike (the elderly who lost all their children), the poor and most disadvantaged amongst us. Let’s spread love, renewal and the true meaning of Jesus’ resurrection. Happy Easter Holidays!