Easter sunrise service planned atop Mount Rubidoux

Image: whatsupwithriverside/Instagram

RIVERSIDE – Hundreds of worshipers are expected to trek to the crest of Mount Rubidoux in Riverside Sunday for an Easter Sunrise Service, carrying on a tradition that began more than a century ago.

The towering Mount Rubidoux Cross will be the destination of the faithful. Multiple pastors will preside at intervals during the inter-denominational observance.

The observances generally draw around 2,000 people, who make the trip up to the 1,300-foot peak, where Biblical parables are shared, followed by singing by members of a choir.

The paved trail, accessible via Ryan Bonaminio Park, runs roughly three miles, and attendees are always encouraged to dress in appropriate footwear and attire. No vehicles are permitted at the memorial.

The Easter Sunrise Service began in 1909, always attracting large crowds, according to organizers.

The service was put on pause in 2020 and 2021 due to the coronavirus lockdowns enforced by the city, but the in-person event got back on track for Easter 2022.

As with last year’s service, this one will be livestreamed here.

In Washington, DC, thousands will gather at the Lincoln Memorial at sunrise on Sunday for one of the nation’s largest Easter sunrise services to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

For more than 40 years, thousands of people of all ages, races, and backgrounds have come together in unity on Easter Sunrise to sing, celebrate, and watch in quiet awe as the sun rises over the National Mall.

For more than 40 years, thousands have gathered at the Lincoln Memorial to celebrate Easter at sunrise. This year’s celebration is Sunday, March 31, at 6:30 a.m. ET. Photo from the National Community Church

Hosted by National Community Church in Washington, DC, the interdenominational Easter Sunrise Service is a longstanding Washington tradition, now in its 44th year. It’s been featured in The Washington Post and named #5 on the Washingtonian‘s The Great Washington Bucket List.

People from all over come to DC to attend the service, joining crowds of Washingtonians for whom this has become an annual tradition.

Rain or shine, they get up while it’s still dark to flock to the Lincoln Memorial. Some arrive in their sweats with their dogs on a leash, others show up in their most lavish Easter Sunday finery. Some come for the Washington, DC, experience; others come for reverent celebration in an unforgettable location.