Easter events on the Mississippi Gulf Coast have been a cherished tradition for decades, bringing communities together to celebrate Easter weekend with fun-filled activities, Easter egg hunts, fairs, and festive parades. While the exact inception date of these events varies by community, many have been established for several decades, becoming integral parts of local culture.

 For instance, the Annual Waveland Easter Parade & Egg Hunt is a well-known event in the region. Similarly, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks hosts Easter egg hunts at locations like Roosevelt State Park, attracting families from across the state. ​Coastal MississippiMDWFP

Each year, thousands of residents and visitors gather across the region to enjoy a variety of Easter celebrations. From Ocean Springs to Gulfport and beyond, each city hosts a variety of events designed for all age groups, ensuring that there is something for everyone.​

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Visiting the Mississippi Gulf Coast?

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Looking for an exciting Easter Egg Hunt

Whether you’re looking for an exciting Easter egg hunt, an Easter Bunny brunch, or a special Easter Sunday service celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, you’ll find amazing events happening throughout the coast. Families can enjoy family-friendly events like bounce houses, face painting, fun games, DIY crafts, and scrumptious food from local vendors. 

Many of these free events also feature special prizes, golden eggs, and unique attractions like an underwater quest at the Mississippi Aquarium, where kids can participate in an aqua egg hunt.​

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce and other tourism partners collaborate each year to organize these fantastic gatherings. Popular venues such as the Mississippi Coast Coliseum, John Henry Beck Park, and Beach Blvd. transform into hunting fields filled with eggs, laughter, and unlimited fun. 

Most events are free

Some events require general admission or an annual pass, while others remain free for all attendees. Virtual egg hunts, cruise parties, and even Easter Bunny bingos are also becoming part of the region’s Easter fun, blending traditional and modern ways to celebrate the holiday.​

With so many upcoming events listed on various event hosts’ websites, Facebook events, and local news content, it’s easier than ever to plan your Easter weekend. Be sure to check event dates, parking lot details, site map, privacy policies, and cookie purchase policies for each location. Some locations even offer DIY crafts and bounce houses, making it a fantastic way to engage in friendly activities with the whole family.​

For those who love a single fun event or want to make Easter plans filled with back-to-back experiences, many communities host multiple celebrations throughout the holiday weekend. Whether you bring your own Easter baskets or receive them as part of an event, you’ll find something exciting to do. 

Check organizer websites for updates on Easter Events

Keep an eye out for email updates from local event organizers. Check their websites for updated information.

Get ready for an Easter celebration like no other on the Mississippi Gulf Coast! From artificial intelligence-enhanced event planning tools to the classic joy of an Easter Bunny meet-and-greet, there’s an event waiting for you and your loved ones. Don’t miss out on these friendly activities, family cruises, and the unforgettable experience of Easter weekend on the Gulf Coast!​

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The History of the Easter Egg Hunt

The tradition of the Easter egg hunt has deep historical roots, intertwined with religious symbolism and cultural practices.

Origins of the Easter Egg

Eggs have long been symbols of fertility and rebirth across various cultures. In Christian tradition, the egg embodies the resurrection of Jesus Christ, representing the emergence from the tomb into new life. Early Christians in Mesopotamia dyed eggs red to commemorate the blood of Christ shed during the crucifixion.

Martin Luther’s Contribution

The practice of organizing egg hunts is often attributed to the Protestant reformer Martin Luther in the late 16th century. Luther is said to have arranged egg hunts for his congregation, where men hid eggs for women and children to find. This activity symbolized the discovery of the empty tomb by the women who first arrived at Jesus’s burial site.

German Traditions and the Easter Bunny

By the 17th century, the tradition evolved in Germany with the introduction of the Osterhase, or Easter Hare. Children believed this hare laid colorful eggs in gardens, leading them to search for these hidden treasures. German immigrants later brought this custom to America in the 18th century, where it further evolved into the modern Easter Bunny tradition.

Royal Endorsement

The custom gained prominence in Britain during the 19th century, notably within the royal family. As a child, Queen Victoria participated in egg hunts organized by her German-born mother, the Duchess of Kent. These events popularized the practice among the British aristocracy and eventually the general populace.

Modern Celebrations

Today, Easter egg hunts are a widespread tradition, symbolizing joy, renewal, and the advent of spring. Communities worldwide organize these events, blending religious significance with a festive celebration, ensuring the continuation of this cherished custom for future generations.

Myths about Easter

1. Myth: Easter was originally a pagan holiday hijacked by Christians

The Reality: The core religious holiday of Easter was established entirely by the early Christian church to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It was originally directly tied to the timing of the Jewish Passover (Pascha). While it is true that as Christianity spread, the holiday eventually absorbed various regional spring customs (like decorating eggs or celebrating new life), the establishment of the holiday itself was not a rebranding of an existing pagan festival.

2. Myth: The name “Easter” definitely comes from the Babylonian goddess Ishtar.

The Reality: The internet frequently circulates a meme claiming “Easter” is pronounced like “Ishtar” and derives from the ancient Mesopotamian goddess. Historians and linguists widely reject this.

The most prominent historical theory comes from the 8th-century English monk, the Venerable Bede, who wrote that the English word “Easter” came from “Eostre,” an Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring. Even more notably, in almost every non-English-speaking country, the word for Easter is actually a direct derivation of Pesach, the Hebrew word for Passover (e.g., Pâques in French, Pascua in Spanish).

3. Myth: The Easter Bunny is an ancient, universal symbol.

The Reality: The Easter Bunny is a relatively recent addition to the holiday and has specific regional origins. It originated in Germany as the Osterhase (Easter Hare), a folkloric figure first mentioned in writing in the late 17th century. Much like Santa Claus, the original Osterhase was a judge who evaluated whether children had been good or disobedient before rewarding them with colored eggs.

German immigrants brought the tradition to Pennsylvania in the 1700s, and it slowly spread across the United States.

4. Myth: Dyeing Easter eggs is a modern, commercial craft.

The Reality: Decorating eggs is one of the oldest Easter traditions, dating back well over a thousand years. Early Christians in Mesopotamia began dyeing eggs red to symbolize the blood shed by Christ during the crucifixion. Additionally, during the medieval period, eggs were traditionally forbidden during the fasting season of Lent.

People would boil them to preserve them, and then decorate them to celebrate their return to the menu on Easter Sunday.

5. Myth: Easter is supposed to fall on a fixed date, but the calendar is broken.

The Reality: Unlike Christmas, Easter has never been a fixed calendar date. It is a “movable feast” because it is tied to a complex lunisolar calendar rather than the standard solar Gregorian calendar. In the year 325 AD, the Council of Nicaea established that Easter would be celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon occurring on or after the vernal equinox.

Because of this formula, Easter can fall anywhere between March 22 and April 25.

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Easter Sunrise Services on the Beach

Plan Your Easter Adventure!

Check the website of the event organizer for specific details, such as “bring hard-boiled eggs” or other items. The events are free but may have participation requirements. Take an umbrella or a raincoat for you and the children—you never know about the rain.

With so many Easter events happening across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, you have plenty of options to celebrate the holiday. Whether you’re in Biloxi, Gulfport, Ocean Springs, or one of the smaller coastal towns, there’s an egg hunt or celebration nearby. Gather your baskets, bring your family, and make this Easter one to remember!

If you are staying around from Spring Break (read our article), enjoy Easter events on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Depending upon the year, Spring Break often falls just before Easter.

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Have a Crawfish Boil as part of your Easter Celebrations

Catholics generally eat fish during the week preceding Easter and all of the Fridays after Ash Wednesday through Easter. This is why attending a gathering with a Crawfish Boil is so fitting. Crawfish is acceptable to eat during Lent along with potatoes, corn, and other vegetables. You must read this article, which tells you all about it.

Bring your family, and make this Easter one to remember! Happy Easter!

This article is courtesy of RetireCoast.Com. Please read our other articles about the Mississippi Gulf Coast, local events, retirement, lifestyle, and much more. Sign up to receive notice of new articles. Don’t forget to read our article about the July 4th celebrations.

🐣 Frequently Asked Questions About Easter Events on the Mississippi Gulf Coast

1. When do Easter events take place on the Mississippi Gulf Coast?
Most Easter events take place during Easter weekend, with many egg hunts scheduled on the Saturday before Easter Sunday. Some events begin earlier in March.

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2. Are Easter egg hunts free to attend?
Many Easter egg hunts are free events, but some may require registration or have participation rules, such as bringing your own basket.

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3. What should we bring to an Easter egg hunt?
Bring your own Easter basket, comfortable clothing, and sometimes specific items like hard-boiled eggs, depending on the event organizer.

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4. Are there Easter events for different age groups?
Yes, most events are organized by age groups to ensure fair participation, especially for younger children.

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5. What happens if it rains during an Easter event?
Events may be delayed, moved indoors, or rescheduled. It’s always best to bring an umbrella or raincoat and check the event host’s website for updates.

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6. Are there Easter parades on the Mississippi Gulf Coast?
Yes, some communities host Easter parades, such as the Waveland Easter Parade, featuring decorated vehicles, golf carts, and family-friendly entertainment.

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7. Are there church services available for Easter Sunday?
Absolutely. Many churches host sunrise services, traditional worship services, and Holy Week events, including Good Friday and Easter Sunday services.

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8. What is a “Golden Egg” at Easter events?
A Golden Egg is a special prize egg hidden during some hunts. Finding it often comes with special prizes or rewards.

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9. Are there unique or themed Easter events on the Gulf Coast?
Yes, events like the Aqua Egg Hunt, aquarium hunts, cookie decorating classes, and bunny petting zoos offer unique experiences beyond traditional egg hunts.

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10. Where can I find updates or new Easter events?
Check the event host’s website, Facebook events, or local tourism partners for the most current information. You can also sign up on RetireCoast.com for updates.

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