Holy Week may be a time with strong religious connotations, but you don’t have to be religious to celebrate this time of year with family and friends. All over the world, people celebrate Holy Week in many different ways. Let's take a peek at some of their celebrations!
RELIGIOUS RITUALS
For those who practice religion, Holy Week is a time for reflection and praying. Some people attend mass, and others participate in a Via Crucis, or Stations of the Cross, procession. Whether you’re religious or not, this is a great time of the year to gather with family and friends and spend quality time together. For those who don’t participate in religious activities, there are other ways to celebrate Holy Week.
COLORFUL PARADES
Many countries in Central and South America use this time of celebration in a more colorful way. Though rooted in religious connotations, these parades bring people of many different beliefs together. Many tourists plan their trips specifically for this time of year so they can be part of these exciting and vibrant festivities. In Guatemala, colorful, intricately designed sawdust “carpets” adorn the streets during Holy Week. Haiti celebrates with vibrant traditional parades. And everyone has heard of the musical processions on the streets of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Holy Week is a great time to learn more about other cultures and explore new countries.
EASTER EGGS
Making Easter eggs is a great activity to bring people together, no matter their age. This fun family activity gives you and your child or grandchild moments full of laughter, color, and fun. While this tradition is stronger in the United States, other countries, such as Argentina and Spain, celebrate too. There, Easter eggs are made of chocolate and come filled with confetti, and people break them open on top of each other's heads.