By:
Kemena Williams
The Holy Week
• In Christianity La Semana
Santa is known as Easter.
• It commemorates the
last week Jesus Christ
was on Earth.
• It represents his
crucifixion on Good
Friday and his
resurrection on Easter
Sunday
The entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm
Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week.
Fasting During La Semana
• Fasting during the Holy Week is very strict.
• Dairy products and meat are strictly
forbidden.
• Friday and Saturday of the Holy Week no
food can be consumed.
• Those who are able to, may receive the
blessing of their spiritual father to observe
an even stricter fast by only eating two
meals that week.
Bridegroom Prayer
• “Bridegroom Prayer”
services are Sunday
through Tuesday
evenings.
• Towards the end of the
Tuesday evening
Bridegroom service, the
Hymn of Kassianis sung.
• The Hymn tells of the
woman who washed
Christ's feet in the house
of Simon the Pharisee.
Celebration
• La Semana is observed in Spain, Mexico and
all of Latin America.
• It is one of the highest holy days of the year.
• They have a Mexican version
of Easter egg hunting. The eggs
are filled with confetti. They
are meant to be cracked
on someone’s head as a funny
surprise.
Other Forms of Celebration
• Spain celebrates
Easter Week much
more than most
European countries.
• During the whole of
Semana Santa, street
processions
are organized
in most
Spanish towns
each evening.
• The religious
fraternities and
brotherhoods are
responsible for
carrying the statues
and organizing the
penitents and
musicians.
La Semana Santa
• La Semana is one of the most
breathtaking celebrations.
• It is a one-of-a-kind display of tradition,
music, culture, theatre and religion.