Semana Santa Dates: Holy Week Calendar & Significance

Semana Santa (Holy Week) occurs the week before Easter Sunday, commemorating Christ's Passion, Death, and Resurrection. Dates shift annually per the lunar calendar (first Sunday after first full moon post-verbal equinox).

Recent & Upcoming Dates

Daily Observances

• Palm Sunday: Triumphal entry.
• Holy Monday–Wednesday: Anointing, cleansing, betrayal.
• Maundy Thursday: Last Supper, foot washing, Gethsemane.
• Good Friday: Crucifixion, Stations of the Cross, veneration.
• Holy Saturday: Vigil, Easter fire.
• Easter Sunday: Resurrection.

Global Expressions

• Spain (Seville, Málaga): Elaborate processions, pasos (floats), nazarenos.
• Latin America: Alfombras (sawdust carpets), penitents, passion plays.
• Philippines: Self-flagellation, crucifixion reenactments (San Fernando).
• Orthodox (Julian calendar): Often 1–5 weeks later.

Travel Note

Peak tourism in Spain, Mexico, Guatemala, Philippines. Book months ahead; expect closures (Good Friday).