In a city as diverse and expansive as Los Angeles, Easter celebrations around the city closely resembled those taking place all across America--while still remaining distinctly "LA."

At Grand Hope Park in the heart of Downtown, well over a thousand families lined up for entrance to the sixth annual New City Church of LA’s Easterfest Celebration, which ran from 2-5 p.m. Sunday. The festivities included live music, face painting and an Easter egg hunt which totalled more than 10,000 eggs filled with candy and toys.

"It's fun, but then of course the Church has an aspect to it which is actually really involved, they're on Skid Row, involved in different organizations," said New City Church member and volunteer George Castaneda. "So for us [Easterfest] is great because it's like bringing our church out into the street in a way, but in a fun way, too."

Over on Skid Row, those in need were able to participate in Easter festivities through the Midnight Mission’s Easter/Passover brunch and Kid’s Easter Village.

The Midnight Mission, which is currently celebrating its 100th year, provides meals for the homeless and nearly-homeless and has hosted an Easter brunch every year since it opened its doors in 1914. 

"We've fed every Easter for a hundred years, we've never missed one," said Larry Adamson, Midnight Mission President and CEO, who estimated that volunteers fed as many as 4,000 people over the course of three hours. "People that have lost their own hope, it's difficult for them, and if we can put a smile on their face, if we can give them one moment of clarity, then maybe we can make a difference in their life."

The brunch was hosted at the Midnight Mission facility on South San Pedro Street, which serves daily meals to Los Angeles’ homeless population, and also provides shelter, emergency medical services, rehabilitation programs, job training and more.

Also in attendance was musician Jason Sinay, who provided live music throughout the celebration, and, of course, the Easter Bunny, who danced with guests and passed out baskets of treats to children. Attendees were also given bags of food to take home.

Event organizers, volunteers and attendees alike agreed that the services provided by organizations such as the Midnight Mission are invaluable, as many Los Angeles residents face homelessness and hunger and often miss out on holiday celebrations.

“Today I'm looking forward to a meal,” said Inga, one Midnight Mission Easter/Passover brunch attendee who recently became homeless. “If a crisis happens in your family, you can come to Downtown Los Angeles, California on Easter...it's very important. ”

Dozens of volunteers of all ages and from various organizations, including Disney VoluntEARS, plated food, served guests, and helped to set up and clean up the brunch.

"It's just a good thing to do on Easter," said Dave Guttman, who has volunteered at the Midnight Mission Easter event for several years. "I think it's really good for people on the street to have a place to go for some entertainment and a good meal on Easter. I think it's really important that we keep aware of them every day though." 

Reach Staff Reporter Olivia Niland here. Follow Olivia Niland on Twitter @olivianiland.