Holy Week in Mexico is an important religious observance as well as important vacation period. It is preceded by several observances such as Lent and Carnival, as well as an observance of a day dedicated to the Virgin of the Sorrows, as well as a Mass marking the abandonment of Jesus by the disciples. Holy Week proper begins on Palm Sunday, with the palms used on this day often woven into intricate designs. In many places processions, Masses and other observances can happen all week, but are most common on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday, with just about every community marking the crucifixion of Jesus in some way on Good Friday. Holy Saturday is marked by the Burning of Judas, especially in the center and south of the country, with Easter Sunday usually marked by a Mass as well as the ringing of church bells. Mexico's Holy Week traditions are mostly based on those from Spain, brought over with the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire, but observances have developed variations in different parts of the country due to the evangelization process in the colonial period and indigenous influences. Several locations have notable observances related to Holy Week including Iztapalapa in Mexico City, Taxco, San Miguel de Allende and San Luis Potosí.
What happens during Holy week in Mexico?
Holy Week in Mexico is a major religious celebration. Holy week starts on Palm Sunday and the major celebrations start on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, the day marking the crucifixion of Jesus, and Easter Sunday when Jesus resurrected and marked by ringing of church bells.
Mexico's Holy week is based on traditions from Spain, with some variations due to the evangelisation process during the colonial period and indigenous influences, for example Iztapalapa in Mexico City, Taxco, San Miguel de Allende and San Luis Potosí.