Although most of us think that Holy Week is unique to Spain, the truth is that it is not. It is a Christian and religious festivity that celebrated in other parts of the world where Christianity is in which Christianity is practiced. Processions are the protagonists in these 5 countries during Holy Week, which is practiced with much fervor and feeling.
Easter is the Christian commemoration par excellence. Days that are very present in different parts of the world where Christianity is deeply rooted by the inhabitants. It begins on Palm Sunday until Easter Sunday and each year is celebrated on different dates, coinciding with the lunar calendar.
But, What does Holy Week consist of in other countries? Is it similar to the one we celebrate in our country? We are going to reveal it to you so that you end up with the curiosity.
1. Spain
Of course, we begin by talking about Holy Week in our country. Numerous brotherhoods and confraternities are in charge of organizing different activities in all the provinces of Spain. The most important and recurrent act is the processionThe most important and recurrent act is the procession: costaleros and porters carry images of the life of Jesus through the streets of their city. All of this to the rhythm of drums and other instruments that set the atmosphere along the route.
For this and much more, Easter Week in Spain is so important that it is a Festival of International and National Tourist Interest. Hundreds of people travel to different cities of the country to know from their own experience this celebration so characteristic, especially in the south of the country.
But, in addition, in Spain the gastronomy of Easter is key Easter: torrijas, sbuñuelos de viento, tortilla de bacalao... did we miss any? 😉
In Barcelona you can enjoy the best Easter delicacy: the Mona de Pascua. It is a cake with a variety of flavors in which an egg or a chocolate rabbit is added. The Mona is very decorated, especially with colorful feathers.
Italy
In a very similar way to the Spanish Holy Week, Italy also celebrates it in different towns of the country. The multiple processions that parade in these towns have a great religious feeling, since it is important to remember that the Roman Catholic Apostolic Church is the church with the largest number of believers in the world. This fact refers to the importance of Holy Week in the Italian capital.
They are celebrated on the same days as in Spain, being Holy Thursday the commemoration of the Last Supper and, later, Good Friday, a day of mourning in which the streets are illuminated with candles and candles; a spectacle of lights worth seeing. These processions are present in many parts of Italy, notably Florence, Naples, Sardinia, Rome and Urbania.
The colomba pasquale is the typical sweet of the of the Italian Holy Week. It is served in different shapes and sizes, but its flavor is perfect to accompany these days.
Mexico
In Mexico, Holy Week also plays an important role. This is a country where all celebrations are lived with a lot of feeling and Holy Week was not going to be less. The country's fountains are adorned with colorful flowers and flags, while many houses are decorated for the celebration.Many houses are decorated for the occasion and, in some cases, their doors are opened for the curious to see different altars and other decorations. Fruits, soft drinks and ice cream are key elements in this celebration.
The different acts in the case of the Mexican Holy Week are spectacular, because in each one of them the different scenes of the life of Jesus are staged in a much more theatrical way. These are represented to the rhythm of music and drums.
4. Israel
We could not fail to mention special mention of Jerusalem in the celebration of Holy Week. The most important procession is the one that takes place on Palm Sunday, from the Mount of Olives to end in the historic center of the city.
Promised Land, Israel dresses its capital with numerous religious events in which the life of Jesus is always very present. One of the most important days is Holy Thursday, when Israeli pilgrims and Christians meditate for an hour in the Garden of Gethsemane. Undoubtedly, this is one of the most incredible Holy Weeks in the world due to the strong religious sentiment of the country. After all, this is where the story begins.
5. United States
This Semana Santa has little to do with the religious acts to which we are accustomed during these days. Most of the attendees of the American Holy Week are part of the Spanish-speaking community. Although the Passion of Christ is also commemorated, it is done in a much more colorful and joyful way.
In both California and New York , parades are organized and parade through the different streets of both cities. The most popular Easter celebration in the United States is the Easter bunny and the basket full of colorful eggs. the Easter bunny and the basket full of colorful eggs.. Here more religions participate in addition to Christianity.
Did you know about these Easter traditions around the world? We would love to experience them first hand! But, for the time being, we will continue to celebrate it in Barcelona. The list of activities related to this celebration in our city is very varied.
If you have just landed at Aticco Coworking and want to know more about our city, ask us. And if you are not yet part of our family, we are waiting for you!