Holy Week (Semana Santa) is the week leading up to Easter when Christians commemorate the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It is the most important time of the year for Christians.
Traditions vary widely in churches and regions. Some communities commemorate a different part of the passion story on each day of the week.
Holy Thursday and Good Friday are national holidays in many Latin countries.
Holy Week 2020
Sunday to Saturday, April 5-11, 2020
The Days of Holy Week
Each day commemorates a different part of the story of the passion of Christ.
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ entrance to Jerusalem.
Holy Monday
Holy Monday commemorates the anointing of Jesus in the house of Lazarus and the cleansing of the Temple.
Holy Tuesday
Holy Tuesday commemorates Jesus’ fortelling that he would be betrayed.
Holy Wednesday
Holy Wednesday commemorates Judas Iscariote’s betrayal.
Holy Thursday
Holy Thursday commemorates Jesus’ washing of his disciples’ feet and the last supper. Some Latin communities follow a tradition of visiting seven churches after dinner.
Holy Friday
Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus.
Holy Saturday
Holy Saturday commemorates the day the body of Jesus lay in the tomb.
All of this leads up to Easter.