Holy week
What is Holy Week?
Holy Week is a Christian religious celebration that commemorates the Passion, Death, and
Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the most sacred period of the Christian calendar and culminates
with Easter.
When is it celebrated?
The dates vary each year, as they are based on the lunar calendar. In 2025, Holy Week will be:
Palm Sunday: April 13
Holy Thursday: April 17
Good Friday: April 18
Holy Saturday (Glory Saturday): April 19
Easter Sunday (Resurrection Sunday): April 20
Most Important Days
1. Palm Sunday
Commemorates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Palms and olive branches are blessed.
2. Holy Thursday
Remembers the Last Supper, the Washing of the Feet, and the institution of the Eucharist.
3. Good Friday
Commemorates the passion and death of Jesus on the cross. It is a day of mourning, fasting, and
reflection.
4. Holy Saturday
A day of silence and waiting. At night, the Easter Vigil is celebrated, which gives way to the
resurrection.
5. Easter Sunday
Day of joy: Jesus has risen. It is the most important feast of Christianity.
Symbolisms and Important Elements
Palms and branches: Jesus' entry into Jerusalem.
Bread and wine: Eucharist.
The cross: Symbol of Jesus' sacrifice.
Candles: Light of the risen Christ.
Tunics and hoods: Traditional attire worn by members of the brotherhood during processions.
Spiritual Reflection
It is a week of introspection, forgiveness, and renewal of faith. Many believers:
Attend Masses and processions
Go to confession
Fast or abstain
Spend time in prayer and silence
Origin and History
The celebration has its roots in Judaism (Passover or Pesach) and was adopted by early Christians.
The first references date back to the second century, and over time, the current rites were
structured, especially after the Council of Nicaea (325 AD).
How to celebrate Holy Week as a family?
1. Prayer at home
Say a family prayer each day of Holy Week.
Pray the Stations of the Cross together at home (you can use images or homemade
stations).
Meditate in silence, especially on Good Friday.
2. Attend religious celebrations together
Go to Mass as a family (Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Easter Vigil).
Participate in processions, if they are held in your community.
Accompany the adoration of the cross or the washing of feet.
3. Tell the story of Jesus to the little ones
Use stories, drawings, or videos to explain the Passion and Resurrection in a simple way.
Do creative activities: color pictures of the cross, Jesus, or palm leaves.
4. Do a short play at home
Represent moments such as the Last Supper, the Stations of the Cross, or the Resurrection
as a family.
Include costumes, Bible readings, and songs.
5. Create an altar or spiritual corner at home.
Place a Bible, a cross, candles, images, flowers, or palm leaves.
You can change it depending on the day: place a covered cross on Good Friday or white
flowers on Easter Sunday.
6. Cook traditional recipes together.
Prepare traditional dishes such as torrijas, capirotada, empanadas, stews, or fish.
Involve the children in the kitchen while discussing the meaning of the day.
7. Do a family act of charity.
Donate food or clothing.
Visit someone who is alone or in need.
Teach the value of service and love for one's neighbor.
8. Watch spiritually meaningful movies or documentaries.
Some suggestions: The Passion of the Christ, Jesus of Nazareth, The Prince of Egypt (for children),
or Bible animations.
