Parades, pilgrimages and city-wide egg hunts are some of the fun Easter activities families in El Paso can do over the weekend.

Parades

The North east is having two parades this year, both on Saturday. The 36th Annual NorthEaster Parade is set for 10 a.m. and will once again begin at the intersection of Hercules and Diana Drive. From there it will continue along Diana for about a mile and a half to the old NorthPark Mall. This year’s parade will have around 100 entries, including floats, marching bands, Shriners, fire trucks, and the Easter Bunny.

The other parade will take place at noon at the front of Biggs Park, 11388 Sergeants Major Blvd on East Fort Bliss, and will follow a one mile long route that will culminate inside the park. Once in Biggs Park, you’ll be treated to free photos with the Easter Bunny, and games and crafts presented by various Fort Bliss Family Readiness Groups. Food and beverage vendors will be on hand in case you get hungry and/or thirsty, or you can pack a picnic basket and cooler. You can find more information HERE.

Easter Egg Hunts

The Parks and Rec Department will be hosting 15 free Easter Egg Hunts throughout the city including one on Saturday in the shallow depth area of the Armijo Aquatic Center. Tricia’s informative blog has all the locations and pertinent information HERE.

Other free Easter egg hunts include the Westside Community Church’s 13th annual Easter Egg Hunt and Spring Bash, and Freedom Crossing’s Easter Egg Adventure

The church’s event will be from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at Francisco Delgado Park, on Imperial Ridge behind Franklin High School. Family activities, including a jumping balloon and face painting, and an appearance by the Easter Bunny will take place before and after the Easter egg hunt.

Freedom Crossing will hold its annual event on Easter Sunday from 12pm - 3pm. Kids can drop in each of the mall’s stores and restaurants to collect a free egg filled with Easter candy, toys, or a prize from the store. Other activities like photos with the Easter Bunny, Easter cookie decorating, face painting, and a visit with the Disney Frozen Princesses will also be free.

Pilgrimage

Pilgrimages and hikes up Mount Cristo Rey to the 29-foot statue of Christ will take place from Good Friday to Easter Sunday. Good Friday is the main day for pilgrimages, but the trail will be open Saturday and Sunday as well. Gates open at 6am and will be closed at 4pm. A donation of $5 for adults and $3 children 12 and under is requested, with all proceeds go towards the upkeep and restoration of Mt. Cristo Rey. If you plan to make the trek I strongly recommended you wear a cap, a good pair of sneakers or hiking boots, and don’t forget the sunscreen. You can find directions and more information on their website.

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