PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Rainy weather didn’t stop Philadelphians from celebrating Easter, as worshippers filled churches Sunday morning and families later gathered for the 93rd Annual Easter Promenade on South Street.
From sunrise services to packed pews, congregations across the city marked Easter with prayer, gratitude, and reflection. At Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, Senior Pastor Alyn Waller said the day represents the foundation of Christian belief.
“We believe the fundamental truth of our faith, which is that Jesus Christ was crucified, but early Sunday morning, he got up with power in his hand,” Waller said.
For many, Easter traditions have been passed down for generations.
“My favorite thing I experience is honestly just the Mass – it’s always really comforting. I’ve been coming here since I was a kid,” said Mary Kate McCurdy of Cherry Hill.
Ed O’Donnell of Center City said he spends the day visiting multiple churches. “I love the music, the Easter hymns. I’ll go to six churches today,” he said.
In the afternoon, families shifted from religious observance to festive celebration at the South Street Headhouse District’s annual promenade. Organizers handed out more than 1,500 bunny ears as attendees posed for photos with the Easter Bunny, competed in a bestdressed contest, and enjoyed live entertainment.
“There’s no other fanfare around Easter in the city, so this is a wonderful way for people to have a nonreligious celebration,” said Eleanor Ingersoll, executive director of the South Street Headhouse District. Ingersoll, who has served as Grand Marshal for more than three decades, said the event remains one of her favorites. “I have so much fun,” she said.
Some families came dressed to impress. Crystal Smith of Germantown said her daughter once won the promenade’s bestdressed contest. “We did the Easter basket hairstyle,” she said with a laugh.
Despite the weather, the spirit of the holiday carried on – from church sanctuaries to South Street’s festive crowds.
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