THE SPANISH FESTIVAL OF SEMANA SANTA AND

EASTER: ORIGIN, SYMBOLS AND

TRADITION

THE HOLY WEEK

Christian or not, we all know that in late

March or early April comes a moment

eagerly awaited by all the Holy Week. For

some it is an excuse to take time off, but for

most it is a week where the Catholic faith is

strengthened and celebrated .

Then find out what events are held during

the seven days of Holy Week.

PALM SUNDAY

I

t is the first day of the week of

festivities and one of the most

important because this day

represents the coming of Jesus

to Jerusalem. The writings state

that Jesus came riding on a

donkey, a prelude to his Passion.

I

s a crucial day, not so much in the

celebrations and liturgies, but its

historical significance. After

spending the night at Bethany, Jesus

returns to Jerusalem and heads near

the temple, but it is become a market

full of traders willing to do business

with them.

SAINT MONDAY

SAINT THUESDAY

T

he main event of Easter Tuesday was the announcement of

the death of the Lord. That day Jesus was in the house of

Simon the leper who was healed miraculously. During

dinner a woman makes her entrance in the house, was

Mary. The Christian myth holds that it is at this moment in

which Jesus announces his death, causing great sorrow

among his disciples

SAINT WEDNESDAY

S

aint Wednesday is the day of delivery

and betrayal. This day recalls the

time when Judas, one of the twelve

disciples of the Lord agrees with the

enemies of Jesus and offered to

surrender in exchange for 30 pieces

of silver. It is the beginning of the

deadly plot.

SAINT THURSDAY

O

n Saint Thursday, held the

Thursday before Easter

Sunday is the first day of the

Triduum. On this day the

Church commemorates the

institution of the Eucharist at

the Last Supper of Christ.

SAINT FRIDAY

It is at that moment where he

received the crown of thorns on his

head and carry the cross. Thus

Christ through the city of Jerusalem

with the heavy wooden cross

towards the Calvado. At noon the

Lord is crucified. Later, to certify

his death he nailed a spear

confirming the death. At night, the

faithful unpins Christ's body and

deliver it to his mother, and finally

buried in the tomb.

SAINT SATURDAY

S

aint Day in the Catholic church commemorates Jesus in

the tomb. On Saturday, Jesus lay in his tomb for the grief of

the apostles who were convinced that it was over.

Meanwhile, his mother recalled the words of the Lord

when he predicted "the third day rise again." In this day

there is a major religious celebrations throughout the year:

the Easter Vigil, held after 6 pm.

RESURRECTION SUNDAY

E

aster Sunday is the day on which Jesus left his tomb. This

is fundamental to Christianity. The story goes that as the

day is done, three women go to the tomb where Jesus was

buried and see that is not his body. An angel tells them he

has risen. They go where the Virgin and the Apostles and

give them the great news. Meanwhile, Peter and John run

to the tomb and see the bandages on the floor.