How Holy Week is celebrated across the globe

Image by Wix

Holy Week, referred to as "Semana Santa" in Spanish, is a major Catholic holiday that is celebrated globally, particularly those with a high Catholic population.

Customs and traditions for Holy Week differ from place to place, and Christians celebrate it in many different ways.

So what is Holy Week? It is the most important religious celebration in Catholicism. This week commemorates the Passion, or the final eight days in the life of Jesus Christ, from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday.

Here is what happens on each day during Holy Week:

1. Palm Sunday

2. Monday of Holy Week

3. Tuesday of Holy Week

4. Spy Wednesday

5. Holy Thursday

6. Good Friday

7. Holy Saturday

8. Easter Sunday

Spain

Holy Week, known as "Semana Santa," is Spain is one of the most profound religious and cultural events, transforming cities into stages where history and devotion are vividly experienced.

While each city has its own personality in celebrating Holy Week, there are common elements that define this celebration. Processions are the focal point, along with floats carried through the streets by costaleros. The intense physical effort, coordination and strong emotions make each procession an unforgettable experience.

In Spain, cities that stand out for their elaborate and spectacular processions include Seville, Malaga and Valladolid.

Nazarenos, or members of religious brotherhoods or fraternal organizations, wear traditional robes, capes and conical hoods. Women wear a traditional black "mantilla" (black lace veil) supported by a comb on Holy Thursday. This is usually accompanied by black dresses and gloves.

Traditional foods that are eaten during Holy Week include torrijas (kind of like French toast) and dishes prepared with cod.

The Philippines

In the Philippines, most of the population is Catholic. Because of this, Holy Week is not only a week of religious observance but also an opportunity for a nationwide cultural experience. In other words, Holy Week is deeply rooted in cultural traditions that reflect the community spirit of Filipinos.

Traditions in the Philippines include processions, the Visita Iglesia and the Senakulo reenactments of Christ's suffering and death, to name a few. In Visita Iglesia, Filipinos visit multiple churches for prayer and reflection. The Senakulo is performed in towns and cities across the Philippines, with some performances lasting several hours to days. On Easter Sunday, Filipinos close Holy Week with the Salubong, transforming the solemn tone of Holy Week into one of hope and joy.

Guatemala (Antigua)

Antigua Guatemala is well-known for its intricate alofombras (or carpets), usually made of sawdust, flowers and fruits. They are destroyed by the processions passing over them. (Image by Jimena Gonzalez)

One of the most beautiful traditions of Holy Week is the creation of alfombras (or carpets). No, they are not the rugs in your living rooms. You can find the most elaborate carpets in Antigua Guatemala.

These carpets are beautiful works of art and are often made of flowers, brightly colored sawdust and sometimes, vegetables. Upon completion, religious floats move slowly over the vibrant carpets and the air is filled with aromatic incense.

In other words, the carpets only have a fleeting lifespan and take seconds to destroy, so they are often seen as sacrificial works of art.

Check out my two-part explainer on Holy Week in Antigua Guatemala.

Mexico

For some, Holy Week is a time for religious celebrations, whereas others take this opportunity to go on an exciting beach vacation or visit some popular destinations in Mexico. Typically, businesses and schools close down for the whole week to allow others an opportunity for rest and relaxation.

Beach towns, such as Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta, offer an experience that blends religious observance with beachside fun. One particular town, Taxco, people will see processions across cobblestone streets with locals dressed in traditional attire. All in all, different regions in Mexico offer their own twist on Holy Week.

In smaller towns, you will find some fairs (or "ferias") with live music and carnival games. This includes dancing to mariachi music or traditional folk music, in addition to kids running around while eating cotton candy.

Italy

St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City is often filled with tourists witnessing the pope's Holy Week masses (Image by Wix)

In terms of religious celebrations, Holy Week (known as "Settimana Santa" in Italian), particularly Easter, is the second most important holiday in Italy. In fact, it is one of the peak seasons for tourism in Italy.

Among the popular cities in Italy that are often crowded during Holy Week include Venice, Florence and Sicily. During this holiday, the Vatican can also get filled with tourists, especially during the solemn and high-profile papal masses that take place at St. Peter's Basilica.

On the evening of Good Friday, the Pope leads the "Via Crucis," or the Way of the Cross. In this ritual, the Pope leads 14 Stations retracing Christ's path and the Cross is typically carried by different people along the way. In other words, it marks the final hours of Jesus' life.