Holy Week has great meaning for the people of Puerto Rico. It is a time of prayer, fasting and processions in anticipation of the Easter celebration. As in much of Latin America, a large part of the population is Roman Catholic. Though not required, many people choose to fast for Holy Week. Others choose to eat certain foods such as salads and codfish. A special soup called “caldo santo” is often made. Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday. Processions wind through the streets with people carrying palm branches, commemorating Jesus’ arrival into Jerusalem. From Monday to Wednesday, people will go to church to say prayers at the Stations of the Cross. In some towns the Stations are acted out in processions along the city streets. People head back to church to pray and meditate. One of the long
standing traditions is the washing of the feet in church. Good FridaySome towns, San Juan in particular, hold processions through town depicting the carrying of the cross and the Crucifixion. This is called the “Tenebrae.” A statue of Mary is usually draped in a black mourning cape and carried on a litter. Easter CelebrationPeople head to church on Saturday evening to take part in midnight services. Flowers and candles once again adorn the altars and choirs sing joyful songs. People greet each other with “Resucito” meaning He is Risen. About the AuthorMonica Wachman is a former editor and writer for FishersTravelSOS, EasyRez.com and Bonsai Ireland. She has an AA degree in travel from Career Com Technical and is an avid RV buff and gardener. In 2014, she published "Mouschie and the Big White Box" about an RV trip across North America.  One of the reasons many people love to visit Puerto Rico is because the island is steeped in history and tradition. With a largely Roman Catholic population, Christian holidays like Christmas, feast days, and Easter, or Domingo de la Resurrección, are widely celebrated in grand fashion. For many Puerto Ricans, Easter is, in fact, the biggest holiday of the year. If you plan on visiting our island during the Easter holiday, you might be wondering what you can expect. The travel blog Gen-X Gypsies gives a first-hand look at what the holy day is like in Puerto Rico. According to the blog, aside from being one of the main holy days of the year, Easter also kicks of the beach season in Puerto Rico. For those living someplace other than a tropical paradise, every day in Puerto Rico might seem like beach season, but for those living on the island, the beginning of spring means a return of weather that they consider beach-worthy. Many use the Easter season to mark the beginning of their typically every weekend sojourns to their local beaches. Like many religious holidays in Puerto Rico, Easter isn’t just one day of celebration. The entire Holy Week leading up to Easter is typically celebrated. Good Friday finds most businesses on the island closed, and people use the day off as an opportunity to kick off beach season. Families arrive at the beach to cook out and enjoy fun in the sun, and those who enjoy water sports use Good Friday as a time to break out the surfboard, paddleboard and kayak. Local churches frequently hold processionals on Good Friday, sometimes including reenactments of the Crucifixion. The beach merriment generally continues into the night on Friday, and carries over most of the day Saturday. Then, on Easter Sunday, most of the islanders attend mass at their local churches, replete with music and pageantry. After mass, many people return to the beach for more festivity, while some enjoy a traditional Easter meal. Dishes like arroz y habichuelas (rice and beans), bacalao a la vizcaina (codfish stew), mofongo (mashed plantains) and flan de coco (coconut flan) are often served. Traveling to Puerto Rico during the Easter holiday can be a wonderful experience, and most people find it culturally enriching and rewarding. So why not make your next trip to the tropics on Easter Weekend? We think you’ll be glad you did. And, if you choose to visit Puerto Rico during the spring holiday, consider staying with us at Maria’s. We’re a luxury villa located right on Maria’s Beach in Rincón, Puerto Rico. When you stay with us, you’ll not only enjoy beautiful ocean scenery and a gorgeously appointed home-like atmosphere, you’ll also have access to countless amenities. Our booking is done through Twin Palms, Maria’s rental and onsite management. Please visit our booking page on this website to view the availability of Maria’s and fill out our convenient contact form below. If you have any additional questions regarding Maria’s, you may call Twin Palms at 787-685-6648 (español: 787-449-3673). Thank you for planning your Puerto Rican vacation with us, and happy Easter! How do people celebrate Holy Week in Puerto Rico?From Monday to Wednesday, people attend church to say prayers at the Stations of the Cross. On Maundy Thursday, people pray and wash their feet in church. Good Friday is celebrated with more processions, particularly in San Juan, depicting the carrying of the cross and the crucifixion.
What is Santa Semana in Puerto Rico?Semana Santa translates to “Holy Week,” and it is the annual tribute of the passion of Christ, an event referring to the week of the crucifixion (execution) and resurrection (rebirth) of Jesus in the Bible. The Holy Week falls on April 5 through April 12 this year.
Why is Holy Week an important in Puerto Rico?Holy Week has great meaning for the people of Puerto Rico. It is a time of prayer, fasting and processions in anticipation of the Easter celebration. As in much of Latin America, a large part of the population is Roman Catholic.
How is Semana Santa celebrated?How do you celebrate Semana Santa? During Holy Week, families gather together for special meals, go to church for Easter vigils and mass, and create spectacular alfombras, or rug-like displays made with flowers, in the street. There are parades where we reenact Jesus on the cross and the revival of Christ.
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How does puerto rico celebrate semana santa
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