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Sunbathing at the beach, observing religious
masses, or enjoying an ice cream at
the Zócalo…
How will you spend Semana
Santa in Oaxaca? This traditional Catholic
holiday, which commemorates the last
week in the life of Jesus Christ, begins on
Palm Sunday (April 9) and culminates on
Easter Sunday (April 12).
Generally a somber
holiday, Semana Santa in Oaxaca has a
more lively and celebratory feel.
Every year, more than 10,000 tourists come
to the city during that week, and as many are
expected this year, according to the Tourism
and Economic Development offi ce in Oaxaca.
Most of these tourists are Mexican students
and family members who live in other parts of
the country and come to visit their relatives.
But many foreigners also choose the beginning
of April to travel to Oaxaca.
In
fact, Semana Santa is the second busiest season
for Oaxacan hotels, after Día de Muertos
(Day of the Dead) in the fall. At the
luxurious Hotel Camino Real, each of the
91 rooms was reserved between 2- 6 months
in advance and the small bed and breakfast
Casa Las Bugambilias, with only 9 rooms,
was booked a year ago.
Travel agencies throughout Mexico and the
United States are given the schedule of events
months in advance and actively promote trips.
As travelling that week has become increasingly
popular, few hotels won’t increase their
rates and low season prices are not likely to
start before the Monday after Easter.
As thousands of visitors pour into Oaxaca,
many locals take off to the beaches, Puebla,
the Isthmus, or Chiapas.
Since Thursday and
Friday before Easter are paid vacation days
and Easter Sunday is a national holiday, most
workers, including government employees,
receive the whole week off with pay. Therefore,
for many Semana Santa is the annual
week of vacation.
However, many Oaxacan religious families
prefer not to travel on Saint Days and stay
at home. Observance of Semana Santa in
Mexico dates from the Spanish conquest, but
as with other traditional Catholic holidays,
elements of indigenous customs have been
incorporated throughout the years.
In some
parts of Mexico, self-fl agellation and real
crucifi xions (without nails) are practiced. In
all pueblos, silent religious processions occur
almost nightly.
In Oaxaca, church members perform elaborate
re-enactments, rehearsed for months,
and streets are taken over by festive carnivals,
religious artwork exhibitions, and fi reworks.
Vendors sell refreshing springtime treats like
Aguas frescas, fruit fl avoured waters, Raspados,
shaved ices, and delicious Dulces regionales,
regional sweets and candies made of
coconut and tamarind.
If you chose Oaxaca to celebrate Semana
Santa, you won’t lack options. And whatever
you decide to do, you won’t be alone!
Some highlights: For a complete listing of Semana Santa events,
visit the tourist information stand acroos from Sto
Domingo church on Alacalá ST. Also check the
Casa de la Cultura on Colon and Santos Degollado
for alternate activities.
Sunday April 5th- Palm Sunday Blessing of
the palms at all Churches. Parades throughout
the city. Figurines made of Palm leaves are sold
on the streets.
A very important ceremony will
take place at 10 AM in San Antonino Castillo
Velazco (30 minutes away from downtown Oaxaca)
Friday April 10th- Good Friday 6pm: Silent
candlelight Processional. Begins at the Church
of the Precious Blood of Christ (on the corner
of Macedonia Alcalá and M. Bravo) and continues
along Macedonia Alcalá, Xólotl, García Vigil,
Morelos and returns to the Church along Macedonio
Alcalá. 8pm: La Soledad Church: Procession
of the Holy Virgin around the church and
musical performance Sunday April 12th- Easter
Sunday Easter mass at all churches.
Carmen Alto Church: feather dance, processional,
and fi reworks. !
