april - easter sunday (páscoa) celebrated since the 2nd century, is the official end of the roman catholic lenten period and the culmination of holy week, celebrating the rising of jesus christ from the dead.

in brazil, the largest roman catholic country in the world, during lent eggs and dairy are normally given up and thus it is popular to give large chocolate eggs or decorated hard boiled ones to loved ones on easter, since these are associated with new life and fertility.

after attending religious ceremonies, these eggs can be enjoyed with other rational foods during a long leisurely lunch with family and friends, which is also very popular in brazil.

rio de janeiro loves chocolate eggs and special menus are served in restaurants, with many shops around town selling special Easter eggs and cards.