Dear friends of Tanzania, supporters and friends of
Pepea – Empowerment Tanzania e.V.,
In some of our partner projects in Tanzania, our beneficiaries come together at Easter to share a simple meal and spend time with one another – often a special moment away from the routines of daily life.
While Easter in Germany is often associated with colourful eggs, chocolate and family traditions, the celebration in Tanzania is frequently experienced quite differently. As in many predominantly Christian countries, church services play a central role – particularly on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Communities gather to commemorate the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The services are lively, shaped by music, singing and communal prayer. At the same time, Easter in Tanzania is far less influenced by commercial customs. Traditions such as Easter egg hunts or the Easter Bunny are rarely found outside of international contexts.
Instead, the focus is often on community: families visit one another, meals are shared, and time is spent together with intention and care.
We hope you had a beautiful and restful Easter holiday and were able to enjoy the time with your loved ones.
The Board
Stephan Auner
Glory from our community shares her very personal perspective on Easter.
“For me, Easter is more than just a holiday – it is a journey that begins as early as Ash Wednesday. That day reminds me of new beginnings, as I enter the period of Lent – a time of reflection, of pausing and of consciously engaging with myself. In the days leading up to Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, I deliberately take time to slow down my everyday life and focus more on my life and the people around me.
On Easter itself, I go to church in the morning and spend the rest of the day with my family. We share good food, laugh a lot and enjoy our time together. In Tanzania, many people also travel back to their home towns to visit their families and celebrate life together.
In some years, Easter becomes even more special for me when I visit children’s centres and bring small donations. For me, it is a way of giving something back and bringing joy to others. All in all, Easter for me is a blend of reflection, joy and togetherness – simple, but deeply meaningful.”
(The story is based on a personal account from Tanzania. Research, editorial work and translation: Agripina Jastine)