Semana Santa is Mexico's second most important holiday season, after Christmas. It runs from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. While religious celebrations are at the forefront, many Mexicans use this holiday week to go on vacation, head to beaches and see the tourist attractions. Most schools actually have two weeks of vacation, the week of Semana Santa and the following week.
Lifestyle Villas wants to help you understand how we celebrate Easter in Mexico. Let's take a look at what this holiday is all about and how it's celebrated today.
What is Semana Santa?
Semana Santa, or Holy Week, celebrates the Christian holiday of Easter. The country of Mexico is nearly 90% Catholic, so this religious holiday takes on a special meaning that the entire community participates in. Mass is held on Friday and Easter Sunday. Mexico's Holy Week traditions are mostly based on those from Spain, brought over with the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire.
Semana Santa Traditions
While all of Mexico celebrates the holiday, certain cities are better known for their celebrations. These cities often provide re-enactments of the events leading up to Christ's crucifixion on the cross. Each community celebrates the holiday in their own way. However, popular activities throughout the country include the breaking of cascarones, or colored egg shells filled with confetti, over friends and family. Families take the opportunity to be together during this time, especially at Mass on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. In many cities, important religious images from the church will be displayed, traditional altars are decorated at home and in the streets. Flower decorations and palm crosses can be found everywhere during this holiday.
Daily Activities During Semana Santa
Palm Sunday
Semana Santa begins on Palm Sunday, when many join in a special mass that includes the blessing of palm fronds or crosses and other figures that have been fashioned from palms. A large procession commemorating Jesus' arrival to Jerusalem often precedes the mass. Many of the palms are later burned to create ashes to be used on Ash Wednesday the following year.
Vespers Service
On Wednesday during Holy Week, some churches celebrate a late-afternoon vespers service called "los matines de las tinieblas," in which the disciples' abandonment of Jesus is recalled. A candelabra set with 15 candles illuminates the altar. One candle is extinguished after the singing of each song until only the center one is left, representing the Lord Jesus.
Easter Observances Begin
The commemoration of Easter begins on Thursday. In cathedrals throughout the country, bishops celebrate special masses during which the Chrism, a sacred oil used in the sacraments, is consecrated. That evening, many churches hold some type of re-enactment of the Last Supper. On this day during mass, the customary exchange of greetings of peace is omitted to represent Judas' betrayal. It's also customary to silence the church bells during the three key days of the Easter holiday.
Good Friday
Many towns and villages remember the trial and crucifixion through a Passion Play. It may be an all day event involving a cast of hundreds. In other areas, there may be some type of solemn procession. In addition, the Virgin Mary's pain and suffering may be recalled with the display of an Altar de Dolores, an Altar of Sorrows.
Holy Saturday
The greatest of holy vigils is celebrated on the day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. It often includes a solemn evening mass during which each person receiving communion lights a candle at the altar, holding it throughout the remainder of the ceremony. After mass, participants gather outside for the burning of Los Judas. These large papier mache effigies, usually painted in eye-popping colors, represent Judas Iscariot and other forces of evil. These figures are hung up in the street or the central town plaza. Once the public has gathered, they are ignited in quick succession, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
Easter Sunday
For Christian churches, this is unquestionably the most important day of the year. All Catholics are expected to attend mass and take Holy Communion, so every church throughout Mexico will be packed on this day. It's a unique time for spiritual renewal. The church bells will once again ring on this day. Following the services, you will see festive crowds bustling about every town plaza. Street vendors hawking tacos, ice cream and other snacks will also be found. There will be balloons and toys, and perhaps even mechanical rides for children to enjoy.
While it's too late to make Easter reservations this year, it's never too early to start planning for summer or even next year's important holidays! For all your
Los Cabos accommodation needs, give us a call at We offer beautiful
villa rentals in Los Cabos, from small condo options to large beachfront homes. Let us help you plan the perfect
Mexico vacation!
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