Orthodox Easter Pascha Party: Lamb Roast, Tables and Tents

Orthodox Easter follows a different calendar from the Easter most Chicagoans celebrate in March or April. In 2027, Western Easter is March 28 and Orthodox Easter is May 2. Greek, Serbian, Ukrainian, Romanian and other Orthodox families across Chicago mark it as the biggest day of the year, after a long Lent. Customs differ by country and family, so treat this guide as a starting point.

The weekend at a glance

The midnight service. Many parishes hold a Resurrection service late on Saturday night. People carry candles and say a greeting: "Christ is risen" ("Christos Anesti" in Greek, "Hristos a înviat" in Romanian, "Khrystos Voskres" in Ukrainian and "Hristos Vaskrse" in Serbian), with the reply "Truly He is risen." Some families go home to break the fast after midnight, often with a soup or a simple meal, and others wait for Sunday.

Red eggs. Dyed red eggs are a symbol of new life. People crack them against each other and the one that stays whole is lucky. This game is known as tsougrisma in Greek and has a version in many Orthodox homes. Plan a bowl of eggs, a few napkins and a spot for the shells.

The lamb on the spit

Roast lamb is the traditional Pascha meal for many Greek and Balkan families. A whole lamb is cooked on a spit over charcoal for several hours, and some families do this outdoors in a backyard or a park.

• Check local rules first. Open fire, large grills and spits are restricted in some villages and parks. Check with your village, park district or building before you plan it.
• Safety. Place the spit on level ground away from fences, trees and eaves. Keep children and pets back, and have a fire extinguisher on hand.
• Food safety. Cook to a safe internal temperature and keep the meat hot after carving. The USDA lists 145°F for lamb with a rest time, and ground lamb is higher. See keeping food hot outdoors.
• Rentals. Some companies rent grills and spits, and many caterers bring their own. See our grill rental guide. Ask what is included, such as fuel and the cooking stand.
• Smoke. Tell your neighbors ahead of time, especially in a Chicago two-flat or a tight lot.

Seating a big family table

Pascha meals are long and loud, with grandparents, cousins and neighbors. Long tables work best.

For long table layouts, see long tables in a narrow room, and for guest counts how many tables you need. Cover the tables in white or ivory with red accents for the eggs. Leave room for candles and the traditional bread: Greek tsoureki, Ukrainian paska, Romanian pasca and Serbian pogaca or kolach, depending on the family.

A tent for early May

Early May in Chicago can be cool, windy or wet, with lake wind on the east side and warm sun inland. A tent gives you shade, rain cover and a place to put tables if the yard is damp. See what size tent do I need and outdoor events in Chicago in May. Add sidewalls and a heater for the evening: tent heater vs patio heater. Check your village for any tent permit.

Chicago places and notes

Greektown on Halsted Street, the Ukrainian Village and the Polish and Romanian communities in the northwest and west suburbs host a lot of Orthodox Easter events. Churches and halls often book up early. If you host at home, check street parking and the alley for deliveries. See Greek wedding reception seating and Ukrainian wedding reception for layouts that carry over to a family feast.

What most hosts find out too late

• The date differs from Easter in March. Orthodox Easter is May 2, 2027. Rental companies may not have it on their calendar. Check the date early.
• Book the tent and tables early. Early May is busy with graduations, Mother's Day and Cinco de Mayo. Ask for a delivery window that fits the service.
• Plan for the late night. If the family goes to the midnight service, set the table in advance so that no one is rushing at 1 am.
• Count everything at delivery. Check chairs and tables against the quote.

Plan your Pascha gathering with us

Tell us the date, the guest count and the space, and we will help you pick tables, chairs, linens and a tent. Get a quote or book a free 15-minute planning call. One call covers the whole rental list.