Origin and History of Easter in Mexico
Mexico is a magnificent country located in North America, bordered by USA in the north, Pacific Ocean in the south and west, and Gulf of Mexico on the east. More the 75% of the population is Roman Catholic, which itself suffices the importance of Christian festivals here, particularly Easter. This is the day when Jesus Christ came alive from his dead body three days after His crucifixion. Thus, this festival is commemorated with immense splendor and grandeur by all Christians across the world. Mexican traditions are a combination of distinct cultures, languages, and architecture. Though most of the Easter traditions in Mexico remain the same, but some customs surely vary depending upon the geographical and ideological differences. This makes Easter celebrations in this spectacular country all the more unique and impressive. Celebrations here are a delightful combination of Semana Santa (Holy Week - Palm Sunday to Easter Saturday) and Pascua (Resurrection Sunday until the following Saturday).
Local name: Semana Santa
Ways to celeberate Semana Santa in Mexico
Easter celebrations instigate with the ‘Blessings of the Palms’ on Palm Sunday where a large procession is carried out honoring Christ’s glorious entry into Jerusalem, which is followed by the church mass service. The woven palms are blessed and traditionally hung on household doors to ward off evil spirits. Several communities act out the events of Jesus’ life like the Last Supper, the Betrayal, Procession of the 12 Stations of the Cross, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection in the form of passion plays. Burning of a Judas effigy stuffed with firecrackers performed on Holy Saturday is another significant Mexican Easter custom. Apart from this, several special Easter festivities are held in the main Mexico City, Oaxaca City, Patzcuaro, San Cristobal de las Casas, and Taxco with a spring of carnivals lined up to entice the audience. The lavish Easter feast contains some of the most lip-smacking and exotic Mexican delicacies, like flour tortillas, Pescado Zarandeado, and braided Easter bread. Easter is a two-week holiday in Mexico, during which you can see the most vivacious and multihued sights of the country.
