Semana Santa

Semana Santa is “Holy Week,” – which is also “The Passion.”

Semana Santa Schedule (2023)

Carnival (Feb 20-21, 2023)

Carnival is the time before Lent (Ash Wednesday) when Mexicans eat and feast on as much meat as their bodies can handle. It is typically 2 weeks before Ash Wednesday, which is the start of Lent, the great fast. Carnival is the start of the Easter Season.

Semana Santa – Lent – Ash Wednesday – Cuaresma (February 22, 2023)

This is the most difficult time physically for Catholics. For 40 days and 40 nights, the Jews starved in the desert. So, Catholics do the same, starting on Ash Wednesday (Miércoles de Ceniza). It’s a period of not eating meat and changing your life. Reflection on who they are and who they would like to become. Some people give something up, like soda. Others will do something new, like go to the gym or volunteer at food shelters. Fridays during Lent are interesting. In Mexico, Friday is “Viernes Cuaresmas,” where young men give women flowers, and you can eat fish (not beef, never beef during lent). On the fourth Friday during lent it is Samaritan Day (Dia Samaritana). The sixth Friday is Friday of Sorrows or “Viernes de Dolores”. This day represents the pain of the Virgin Mary, and throughout Mexico, altars are built for her.

Holy Week “Semana Santa” (April 2, 2023- April 9, 2023)

During Semana Santa, it’s common to find people re-enacting the Passion of Christ. This is when He arrives in Jerusalem for his crucifixion and, ultimately, his resurrection.

Palm Sunday “Domingo de Ramos” (April 2, 2023)

As Jesus walked into Jerusalem, the Jews lay down palms for him to walk on. In Mexico and in the United States, the church will hand out palm fronds for parishioners to waive, and some hang them on doors to keep out the evil spirits.

Holy Thursday, Maundy Thursday “Jueves Santo” (April 6, 2022)

This is when Jesus had his last supper with his disciples and Judas. This is also the end of Lent.

Good Friday, “Santo Viernes” (April 7, 2022)

Santo Viernes or Good Friday, is when Jesus is tried and crucified by the mob. He is buried in the tomb..

Easter Saturday “Sabado de Gloria” (April 8, 2022)

The day Jesus was set in his resting place. Many communities in Mexico burn paper versions of Judas.

Easter Sunday “Domingo de Resurreccion”, “Pascua” (April 9, 2022)

The resurrection of Jesus as he is no longer in his tomb. Easter