Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is an important annual religious celebration for Christians around the world during 2025. Starting from Palm Sunday until Easter Sunday, this week marks the events leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Whether you’re participating in the festivities or simply curious, there’s much to discover about these ancient, unique traditions. In this post, we’ll explore how Semana Santa is celebrated, from Spain to Latin America and beyond.
What is Semana Santa?
Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is the most sacred period in the Christian liturgical calendar, commemorating the final days of Jesus Christ’s earthly life, His Passion, death, and resurrection. It begins on Palm Sunday, Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where crowds welcomed Him with palm branches. The week ends with Easter Sunday, celebrating His resurrection and the foundation of the Christian faith.
The main days of Semana Santa are:
- Palm Sunday: celebrates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.
- Holy Monday through Wednesday: commemorates the events leading up to Jesus’ betrayal, such as His cleansing of the Temple and teaching in Jerusalem.
- Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday): Marks the Last Supper, where Jesus instituted the Eucharist and washed His disciples’ feet.
- Good Friday: a day of solemn reflection and mourning to commemorate Jesus’ crucifixion and death.
- Holy Saturday: Observe the time Jesus’ body lay in the tomb.
- Easter Sunday: celebrates His resurrection, the victory over sin and death.
Photo by Sebastián Valencia Pineda
Religious and Cultural Observances
Christians bear pasos, giant platforms on which life-sized images of Jesus and the Virgin Mary are enshrined. Every church has its own float for depicting a scene of the Passion of Christ. Participants known as nazarenos dress in long gowns and pointed hoods and march in the procession, some carrying candles or crosses. These events recall the main activities of Christ’s life.
These rituals do not represent mere symbolism, they actually bear profound significance. The processions reenact Jesus’ final days and allow people to reflect on his sacrifice and redemption. The floats are carried by groups called costaleros, who bear the weight as an act of devotion.
In the processions, people sing saetas, traditional songs which also contribute to the solemn festivity. Semana Santa is a week for remembrance and spiritual reflection within the Christian faith.
When is Holy Week 2025?
Holy Week starts on Palm Sunday, which falls on April 13, 2025. This day marks the beginning of the Holy Week which ends on Easter Sunday on April 20, 2025.
Holy Week includes other important events and rituals that reflect on the final days of Jesus’ life. Here’s a quick summary of the key dates for Holy Week 2025:
- Palm Sunday: April 13, 2025
- Good Friday: April 18, 2025
- Easter Sunday: April 20, 2025
Semana Santa Traditions in Spain
Spain celebrates Semana Santa, or Holy Week, with many customs in different places. The processions in cities like Seville, Málaga, and Granada are the most prominent. Nazarenos, wearing robes and hoods, walk beside pasos, heavy floats with statues of Jesus and the Virgin Mary. Each paso shows scenes from the Passion of Christ and is often accompanied by brass bands playing music.
- Seville hosts some of the largest processions, with thousands of people and detailed floats.
- Málaga also hosts impressive parades, where religious imagery is combined with military elements.
- Valladolid features the Sermón de las Siete Palabras on Good Friday, with a sermon in the town square.
Each region also has its own unique customs, for example:
- In Teruel, drums are played from Maundy Thursday to Holy Saturday.
- In Verges, a dance called La Danza de la muerte takes place during the Maundy Thursday procession.
Semana Santa 2025 in Latin America
Semana Santa differs across Latin America as countries put their own twist on the festivities.
In Mexico, Holy Week features vibrant processions and the “Burning of Judas,” symbolizing betrayal, while families prepare traditional foods like capirotada. Another tradition is the breaking of cascarones, eggshells filled with confetti. On Good Friday, it is customary for many towns to hold silent torch-lit processions.
In Guatemala, Antigua is famous for its processions and fabled sawdust and flower carpets called alfombras. These carpets are destroyed as the processions pass over them, thus telling participants that life is but temporal.
Peru practices the blending of Catholic and indigenous traditions, with cities like Ayacucho hosting elaborate street processions and the “Running of the Saints” on Easter Sunday. In other cities like Cusco host processions where participants carry large statues through the streets.
Lastly, in Ecuador, Quito’s Good Friday procession features participants in purple robes, highlighting themes of penance and devotion.
In the United States, particularly in areas with large Hispanic communities, Semana Santa is observed with similar practices. Churches hold special services, and some communities organize processions that reflect their cultural heritage.
The Vatican’s Holy Week 2025
In 2025, the Vatican’s Holy Week will feature several key ceremonies. In the Easter Vigil, on the night of April 19, Pope Francis will celebrate Holy Thursday Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. This service begins with the Service of Light, symbolizing Christ’s resurrection. The candles symbolize the risen Christ and also the Paschal Candle is lit. People take the flame from candle to candle, illustrating the message of how the light of Christ is shared.
On Easter Sunday, April 20, Pope Francis will lead the traditional Easter Mass in front of St. Peter’s Basilica. Following the Mass, he will deliver the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, which translates to “to the city and to the world.” This blessing is crucial, for the Pope discusses problems worldwide and offers his blessings for peace and hope.
The convergence of Easter and the Jubilee Year in 2025 adds special meaning to these celebrations, as pilgrims gather to witness these important events in the heart of Catholicism.
Aleteia Image Department, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Travel Tips for Semana Santa 2025
- Find the best spots to watch early: In major cities like Seville, head to popular areas like La Campana or near the Cathedral. Arrive early, as locals often gather hours in advance to get a good view of the processions.
- Plan for the biggest event nights: A Madrugá, which takes place between Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, features the most famous processions, such as La Macarena and Esperanza de Triana. Be sure to rest during the day so you can fully enjoy the night.
- Research local traditions: Each region has its way of celebrating. For example, in the Basque Country, you can experience the Danza de la Muerte in Vitoria-Gasteiz, while Barcelona features food traditions like Bunyols de Quaresma and La Mona de Pasqua. Take the time to learn about and honor local traditions.
- Use small bags or no bags at all: Bag checks are common at busy events. Only bring what you really need to avoid delays.
- Book balcony views in advance: Renting a balcony in Seville or Malaga is a more comfortable way to watch the processions. These spaces sell out quickly, so make sure to plan ahead.
- Enjoy seasonal treats: Try local Easter specialties like torrijas, bacalao al pil-pil, or the Easter cake La Mona de Pasqua in Barcelona. These dishes are an important part of the cultural experience during Holy Week.
- Be ready for spring weather changes: In places like Seville, the weather is usually mild, but it’s a good idea to bring a light umbrella or jacket in case of sudden rain. Here is a year-round packing list for Spain.
- Stay connected with an eSIM for Spain: With mobile data, you’re always connected and informed. Yoho Mobile eSIM offers you reliable internet access no matter where the celebrations take you. It’s the easiest and fastest solution—perfect for travelers who want to stay online while enjoying the festivities.
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FAQs About Holy Week 2025
What Is Semana Santa?
Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is an important religious time for Christians, remembering the events of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. It starts on Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday. During this week, there are processions where people carry religious images and act out scenes from Jesus’ last days. Different regions, especially in Spain and Latin America, have their own customs for each day.
Why Are Catholics Going To Church At Midnight On Easter?
Catholics go to church at midnight on Easter for the Easter Vigil, which begins after sunset on Holy Saturday. This service celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus. It starts with a new fire being blessed and the Paschal Candle is lit, representing Christ as the Light of the World. The Vigil includes Bible readings, and baptisms, and ends with the Eucharist. After the Mass, the Pope gives the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing to the people of Rome and the world.
Is Good Friday A Holy Day Of Obligation?
Good Friday is not a Holy Day of Obligation in the Catholic Church. It is an important day that remembers the crucifixion of Jesus, no Mass is celebrated on this day. Instead, Catholics take part in a special service where they hear the reading of the Passion and honor the cross. While attending is encouraged, it is not required like other Holy Days of Obligation.
What is the Significance of Easter Monday In Spain?
Easter Monday, or Lunes de Pascua, is a significant date in Spain because it marks the end of Holy Week. In places like Catalonia and Valencia, it’s a public holiday. Families spend time outdoors and enjoy a traditional pastry called Mona de Pascua. It’s a day for people to relax and enjoy being together, celebrating the joy of the Resurrection after the solemnity of Semana Santa.
Can Catholics Eat Meat On Holy Thursday And Palm Sunday?
Yes, Catholics can eat meat on Holy Thursday and Palm Sunday because they are not days of fasting. However, they should avoid eating meat on Good Friday. Both Holy Thursday and Palm Sunday are more focused on religious ceremonies than on food rules.
What Happened On Holy Tuesday?
On Holy Tuesday, Jesus was challenged by religious leaders who questioned His authority. He shared parables, including one about a fig tree that He cursed for not producing fruit. Jesus also taught about faith and personal responsibility, warning about the end times and hypocrisy. These teachings caused more tension with the Pharisees, who began planning to arrest Him before His crucifixion.
What Is The Significance Of Jueves Santo?
Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday or Jueves Santo, begins the Easter Triduum and remembers key moments in Jesus’ life. It marks the Last Supper, where Jesus shared bread and wine as His body and blood, starting the Eucharist. The washing of the feet symbolizes humility and service, showing how Jesus served His disciples. Many people visit seven churches to pray and honor the Eucharist, taking time to reflect on the day’s significance in the Christian faith.
What Is The Significance Of Viernes Santo?
Good Friday, or Viernes Santo, is an important day for Christians as it remembers the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Devotees reflect on His suffering and death, joining in quiet processions where they carry crosses and honor the cross. It’s a day of fasting and penance, with no Mass held. The main focus is on prayer and meditation, marking a significant moment in Holy Week leading up to Easter.