How are Semana Santa and Pascua celebrated?
March 23, 2023In Spain, Semana Santa and Pascua are two important Christian celebrations held at the same time of year but with slightly different meanings and traditions.
Semana Santa (known as Easter week in English) is a week of intense religious activity that begins on Domingo de Ramos (Palm Sunday) and ends on Resurrection Sunday (Easter Sunday). Over the course of this week, Christians commemorate the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ with processions and church ceremonies. In some places, people perform live re-enactments of biblical scenes, such as the crucifixion of Jesus.
Pascua (Easter Sunday), on the other hand, celebrates the resurrection of Christ and marks the end of Semana Santa. The exact date of Easter Sunday varies each year and is based on the lunar calendar. It is a celebration of joy and hope, and in many countries, it is celebrated with Easter eggs that symbolise life and renewal. There are also special meals, family reunions and a number of open-air activities.
Easter Sunday is celebrated in different ways around the world according to region and culture. However, most Christian countries celebrate it in a similar way with some unique cultural and traditional elements. Here are a few examples of how Easter Sunday is celebrated in various parts of the world:
North America: In the United States and Canada, Easter Sunday is celebrated with a traditional Easter egg Hunt and the making of Easter baskets full of sweets and treats. It is also common to celebrate Resurrection Sunday with a family meal.
Latin America: In many countries in South America, Easter Week is a very important celebration with religious processions held in the streets. It is also common to decorate houses and churches with flowers and decorative ‘rugs’ of colourful sawdust.
Europe: In Europe, Easter Sunday is celebrated with a traditional Easter egg hunt and religious processions. In some countries, like the United Kingdom, Easter Monday is celebrated by rolling painted eggs down a hill.
Africa: In many African countries, Easter Sunday is celebrated with church ceremonies and religious processions. It is also common to have a family meal and give Easter eggs and chocolates.
