Semana Santa 2023: What is the exact date? Let’s take a little introduction before. Semana Santa (Holy Week) is one of the biggest religious events in Spain and Spanish-speaking countries when millions of people commemorate the passion and death of Jesus Christ.
The most popular events are the processions where religious brotherhoods follow the route to their churches carrying life-size wooden sculptures of the Virgin Mary, saints, and biblical characters.
Here’s all you need to know about Semana Santa in Spain, including when it will take place in 2023…
What is Semana Santa?
Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is a Christian celebration that begins with Palm Sunday on March 25th and ends with Easter Sunday on April 1st. In 2022, Semana Santa took place from 10th April to 16th April.
It is one of the most important celebrations in Latin America because it commemorates Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection. Semana Santa also celebrates Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem before his crucifixion.
How is it celebrated?
For Christians, Semana Santa is a time for reflection, prayer, and fasting. It is a time to remember Jesus Christ’s death on the cross, his burial in a nearby tomb, and his resurrection on Easter Sunday morning. It is also a time to focus on forgiveness as it relates to your own sins or those that have been committed against you.
The first day of Semana Santa is Palm Sunday where many people celebrate by going to church services where they offer palms and olive branches with prayers.
On Monday there are ceremonies remembering Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem days before he was crucified. Tuesday is Maundy Thursday where there are commemorations of the Last Supper and Washing of Feet.
Wednesday is Good Friday where Christians mourn Jesus’ crucifixion and death. Saturday is called Holy Saturday because it falls on the Sabbath (Sabbath means rest). There are no processions or Masses celebrated until Sunday which marks Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.
Semana Santa 2023
In 2023, Semana Santa will be celebrated from Sunday 2 April to Saturday 8 April. The day changes every year. You may also want to know when will be Columbus Day 2023