Easter in Mexico
Easter in Mexico is a two week celebration, beginning
with Semana Santa (Holy Week, which is Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday)
and Pascua (Resurrection Sunday until the following Saturday). Semana
Santa commemorates Christ's last days, beginning with the Blessing of the
Palms on Palm Sunday. Pascua celebrates the Resurrection of Christ
as well as the release from the personal sacrifices of Lent.
This is one of the most
important holidays of the year. Schools are closed for two weeks
and many families take a one- or two-week holiday. Easter is a
big event in the towns, with processions, elaborate costumes,
hundreds of actors, and wonderful stages. The entire Passion Play
is reenacted in communities, beginning with the Last Supper,
through the Betrayal, Crucifixion and the Resurrection. Some even
include flagellation and real crucifixion.
On Holy Saturday (the day before Easter Sunday),
after evening mass, brightly colored papier maché figures are ignited and destroyed
with fireworks. One figure will represent Judas Iscariot; others include the
Devil along with unpopular politicians. The destructions are symbolic of the
triumph of good over evil.
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2: Indigenous Celebrations & Links
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