KARACHI: As dusk settled over Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, four young volunteers arranged chairs for the evening vigil, their quiet coordination punctuated by a familiar seasonal aroma drifting through the air. Warm raisins, cinnamon and fresh yeast.

For many gathered near the cathedral, Easter in Karachi is inseparable from a ritual just a short walk away.

Just two streets down, outside Misquita Bakery, customers clutched paper bags heavy with freshly baked hot cross buns, their warmth still escaping into the evening air.

The bakery, a Saddar institution, produces the spiced loaves only once a year, a tradition that has endured for more than six decades.

“It’s the most iconic Easter treat,” one volunteer told Pakistan TV Digital, gesturing toward the bustling bakery.

Each spring, the scene repeats itself: long queues, hurried exchanges and the unmistakable scent of spice-laced bread. At the center of it all is a single, symbolic loaf, the hot cross bun.

For those waiting patiently, the experience is as much about memory as it is about taste.

“The thing very famous here is their hot cross buns,” said Christopher Miranda, a long-time patron. “They are famous all over the world. Not only in Karachi or Pakistan, people even freeze them and send them abroad. The taste is just very nice.”

For Miranda, the buns are more than a seasonal indulgence; they mark a moment in time.

“These buns are significant. We buy them once a year. They are only had on Good Friday. It’s a very old tradition that pulls all our people over here.”

A legacy baked in spice and memory

Inside the bakery, preparation begins weeks in advance. According to Tanzim, the manager, the demand shows no sign of slowing.

“We have been making hot cross buns here for about 60 to 70 years,” he said. “The demand is unlimited. Customers are always lined up, and sometimes we can’t even meet the full demand.”

The recipe, however, remains closely guarded. A blend of spices and techniques passed down through generations.

“We have a specific formula. We add many different spices into it. That is how the preparation is done,” Tanzim explained.

Beyond the ingredients, he added, the buns carry a deeper cultural meaning.

“Just as we Muslims visit each other’s homes during our festivals and bring sweets, similarly, the community gifts each other hot cross buns during this festival.”

For families, the ritual spans generations.

“I’ve been taking these buns from Misquita Bakery for many, many years, from my childhood, in fact,” said Sarah, balancing several bags. “Now my children are eating them, and my grandchildren. I’m so happy that every year we get a chance to buy them.”

Others echo the same loyalty.

“I’ve been coming here for the past 25 years,” said Roger Anthony. “I’ve tried other places also, but these are exceptional.”

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