La Semana Santa

1. La Semana Santa By: Kemena Williams

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Bridegroom Prayer • “Bridegroom Prayer” services are Sunday through Tuesday evenings. • Towards the end of the Tuesday evening Bridegroom service, the Hymn of Kassianissung. • The Hymn tells of the woman who washed Christ's feet in the house of Simon the Pharisee.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.