How Easter is celebrated across South Africa’s cultures

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Easter in South Africa is more than just a long weekend – it’s a powerful blend of faith, family, and food that varies across cultural lines. Whether it’s the sombre reflections of Good Friday or the joy of Resurrection Sunday, people mark the occasion in ways deeply rooted in their heritage and beliefs.

Xhosa and Zulu Easter celebrations in South Africa

For many Xhosa families, Easter is a spiritual time centred around church. Families attend long services -some lasting through the night – often dressed in formal church attire or traditional garments. In rural areas, Easter is marked by communal worship, extended prayers, hymns, and sermons reflecting Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection.

Food plays a meaningful role in Xhosa households. A post-service 7-colour meal – meat, rice, beetroot, pumpkin, creamed spinach, coleslaw, and more – is commonly shared among family members. A favourite dish is umphokoqo, a crumbly maise meal traditionally served with sour milk (amasi), particularly enjoyed on warm days.

In Zulu culture, Easter is also a deeply religious time. People often travel from cities to their rural homes to celebrate with family. Church services are central to the holiday, followed by storytelling with elders and shared meals. Younger generations embrace modern traditions too – spending Easter Monday outdoors at braais, picnics, and community events that fuse faith with leisure.

Coloured Easter celebrations: Pickled fish and hot cross buns

In many Coloured households, Easter is synonymous with pickled fish – a Cape Malay-inspired dish traditionally prepared on Good Friday. Made with firm fish like snoek or hake, it’s marinated in a tangy blend of vinegar, curry spices, and onions, then served cold, often alongside hot cross buns.

This dish has such cultural weight that, according to Cape Town Magazine, demand for fish surges at local supermarkets and fishmongers during the Easter week. For many, preparing pickled fish is both a culinary and spiritual act – passed down through generations as part of Good Friday observance.

Family gatherings and Easter egg hunts for kids are also popular, especially over the long weekend.

Afrikaans Easter Celebrations: Simplicity and reflection

Among many Afrikaans families, Easter is marked by quiet reflection and religious observance. Church attendance on Good Friday and Easter Sunday remains important. Meals are typically simple and home-cooked – lamb or roast dishes with vegetables and potatoes are common staples.

While some families keep it traditional, others use the Easter break as a chance to reconnect with nature or travel. Weekend getaways – whether to the coast, the Karoo, or a campsite – are popular, blending family bonding with a chance to relax away from busy urban life.