Semana Santa: Which Days Are Holidays?
El 60 de los españoles cree que lloverá en Semana Santa Canarias from canariasnoticias.esThe Importance of Semana Santa Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is one of the most important religious holidays in the predominantly Catholic countries of Latin America. This week-long celebration leads up to Easter Sunday and is a time for reflection, penance, and devotion. For many, it is also a time to spend with family and friends, enjoying traditional foods and customs. The Dates of Semana Santa Semana Santa begins on Palm Sunday, which falls on the Sunday before Easter Sunday. This year, Palm Sunday falls on April 2nd, 2023. The week then continues with Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday, Holy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and finally, Easter Sunday on April 9th, 2023. Which Days are Holidays? In most Latin American countries, Good Friday and Easter Sunday are national holidays. This means that schools, banks, and government offices are closed, and many businesses also choose to close for the day. Maundy Thursday may also be a holiday in some countries, but this varies depending on local customs and traditions. Other Customs and Celebrations In addition to the religious observances, Semana Santa is also a time for other customs and celebrations. In some countries, there are processions and parades featuring elaborate floats and statues depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ. In others, there are reenactments of the Last Supper or the Stations of the Cross. Traditional Foods Food is also an important part of Semana Santa. In many countries, it is customary to eat fish and seafood dishes during Holy Week, as meat is traditionally avoided. Some popular dishes include bacalao (salt cod), ceviche (raw fish marinated in citrus juices), and empanadas de vigilia (vegetarian empanadas). Conclusion In summary, Semana Santa is a week-long celebration leading up to Easter Sunday. It is an important religious holiday in many Latin American countries, and Good Friday and Easter Sunday are typically observed as national holidays. In addition to the religious observances, Semana Santa is also a time for customs and traditions, including processions, traditional foods, and spending time with family and friends. ...