Latest Modification Date: 3/25/24
In Mexico, Semana Santa, or Holy Week, has a significant meaning. Schools are out and many workplaces such as offices, banks and business take days off for jueves and viernes santo (Thursday and Friday), while religious believers participate in ceremonies, processions, and traditions that reflect faith.
When is Semana Santa in Mexico?
During Holy Week, which spans from Palm Sunday through to Easter Sunday, Mexicans participate in a tradition with great significance, similar to the importance of Thanksgiving in the United States. This year, Semana Santa will take place from Sunday, March 24th, to the 31st.
This period marks a time for families to reunite, making Easter the most popular season for family gatherings and trips. With schools closed for one or two weeks and many workers taking time off, it's common to see thousands of people flocking to Mexico's beaches or embarking on vacations abroad.
As traffic eases in major cities like CDMX, Monterrey, and Guadalajara during Holy Week, there’s packed airports, bus stations, highways, and hotels, as travelers move to their desired destinations with family or friends who take advantage of having a few days off.
Typically, the first wave of holidaymakers starts their journey out of major cities during the weekend preceding Easter week, followed by a second wave departing on Thursday and Friday. From Mexico City, expect heavy traffic on routes heading south to Cuernavaca and Acapulco, southeast towards Puebla and Veracruz, west to Guadalajara and Morelia, or north towards Queretaro and the colonial heartland.
Families and tourists flock to beach towns such as Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, Yucatán, Veracruz, Oaxaca or Cancun to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. Hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions often offer special deals and events during this time.
Religious traditions and Cuaresma
Further than vacations, Semana Santa has cultural relevance in Mexico, especially in cities with strong Catholic traditions. Many communities reenact the events of Jesus Christ's crucifixion and resurrection through dramatic performances, known as "Passion Plays" or "Viacrucis" (Stations of the Cross). These performances often take place in town squares, churches, or along designated routes, with locals portraying key figures such as Jesus, Mary, and the Roman soldiers.
One of the most iconic traditions during Semana Santa in Mexico is the creation of elaborate altars, known as altares de dolores, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. These altars are adorned with flowers, candles, and religious symbols, and are often displayed in homes, churches, and public spaces.
Culinary traditions also play a significant role in Semana Santa celebrations as well. Special dishes are prepared during this time, often featuring seafood and meatless recipes to adhere to Lenten fasting traditions, known as Cuaresma in Spanish. Some popular Semana Santa dishes include ceviche, a marinated seafood dish, tortitas de camarón, shrimp patties and more.
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Semana Santa in Mexico: Dates, meaning and traditions
March 25, 2024
Jean G. Fowler
Semana Santa in Mexico: Dates, meaning and traditions
March 25, 2024
Jean G. Fowler
In Mexico, Semana Santa, or Holy Week, has a significant meaning. Schools are out and many workplaces such as offices, banks and business take days off for jueves and viernes santo (Thursday and Friday), while religious believers participate in ceremonies, processions, and traditions that reflect faith.
When is Semana Santa in Mexico?
During Holy Week, which spans from Palm Sunday through to Easter Sunday, Mexicans participate in a tradition with great significance, similar to the importance of Thanksgiving in the United States. This year, Semana Santa will take place from Sunday, March 24th, to the 31st.
This period marks a time for families to reunite, making Easter the most popular season for family gatherings and trips. With schools closed for one or two weeks and many workers taking time off, it's common to see thousands of people flocking to Mexico's beaches or embarking on vacations abroad.
As traffic eases in major cities like CDMX, Monterrey, and Guadalajara during Holy Week, there’s packed airports, bus stations, highways, and hotels, as travelers move to their desired destinations with family or friends who take advantage of having a few days off.
Latest Modification Date: 3/25/24
Typically, the first wave of holidaymakers starts their journey out of major cities during the weekend preceding Easter week, followed by a second wave departing on Thursday and Friday. From Mexico City, expect heavy traffic on routes heading south to Cuernavaca and Acapulco, southeast towards Puebla and Veracruz, west to Guadalajara and Morelia, or north towards Queretaro and the colonial heartland.
Families and tourists flock to beach towns such as Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, Yucatán, Veracruz, Oaxaca or Cancun to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. Hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions often offer special deals and events during this time.
Religious traditions and Cuaresma
Further than vacations, Semana Santa has cultural relevance in Mexico, especially in cities with strong Catholic traditions. Many communities reenact the events of Jesus Christ's crucifixion and resurrection through dramatic performances, known as "Passion Plays" or "Viacrucis" (Stations of the Cross). These performances often take place in town squares, churches, or along designated routes, with locals portraying key figures such as Jesus, Mary, and the Roman soldiers.
One of the most iconic traditions during Semana Santa in Mexico is the creation of elaborate altars, known as altares de dolores, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. These altars are adorned with flowers, candles, and religious symbols, and are often displayed in homes, churches, and public spaces.
Culinary traditions also play a significant role in Semana Santa celebrations as well. Special dishes are prepared during this time, often featuring seafood and meatless recipes to adhere to Lenten fasting traditions, known as Cuaresma in Spanish. Some popular Semana Santa dishes include ceviche, a marinated seafood dish, tortitas de camarón, shrimp patties and more.
