Semana Santa In Peru

“Perhaps the most famous Semana Santa celebrations occur in Ayacucho, Peru, where the entire town participates in the Holy Week event. Semana Santa celebrations are concentrated in the Andean highland villages, where the mix of Catholicism and pagan religions creates some of the most colorful and fervent festivals. Ayacucho, Cuzco, Huaraz and Tarma each have week-long observances, but Ayacucho is most famous for its Holy Week celebrations.”

 Tarma is often called the Pearl of the Andes for its scenic beauty. “The streets where the processions march are covered in carpets and arches of flowers, created by the devout citizens of the town. Celebrations begin on Thursday with the procession of the Virgen de Dolores, continue with the daily observances, and end with the traditional Easter Sunday processions. A tradition for the artisans creating the floral works is to end the day with a calientito, hot tea with lemon and chacta (cane liquor) to keep the creative spirit warm.”

 In Huaraz, at the base of Huascaran, year-long preparations culminate in a carefully choreographed week of celebrations. Beginning with Palm Sunday, an effigy of Christ is carried on a donkey into the city. Celebrations end on Domingo de Resurrección with fireworks and the release of hundreds of birds. Huaraz observes Semana Santa rituals with piety and devotion.

 “In Cuzco, capital of the Inca Empire, Semana Santa observations revolve around the Señor de los Temblores. Legend has it that the statue of Christ, sent by Philip V of Spain to aid in the conversion of the Indians, became emaciated and blackened following an earthquake on May 31, 1650. The statue, now resembling the native population, has been revered since as the Cristo de los Temblores (Christ of the Earthquakes.) The processions through the streets are colored by strips of textiles woven with gold thread that hang in the windows of houses, and enlivened by firecrackers and noise makers.”

 “A different slant to the religious rituals occurs on Good Friday when abstinence is not practiced. Instead, participants feast on twelve traditional dishes, from soups, fish, potato dishes to desserts.”

 “In Ayacucho, the most famous and well-attended Semana Santa celebrations involve the entire town. The ceremonies begin on the Friday before Palm Sunday, with the enactment of the meeting between Christ and his mother, the Virgen Dolorosa. Palm Sunday is a festive occasion, with mules and palms waving throughout the city. During the week, daily, and evening processions allow the participants to demonstrate their devotion.”

 “An open air market with crafts, food, and music draws a huge crowd who enjoy chicha or chacta with a chew of coca leaves. A traditional belief holds that since Christ is now dead, and not yet risen, there is no such thing as a sin. Consequently, participants in Ayacucho’s holy week celebrations use this time to party and behave as they please until Sunday’s resurrection ceremonies.”

Semana Santa In South America

Many South American communities celebrate Semana Santa. In many places, the full Passion Play is enacted from the Last Supper, the Betrayal, the Judgment, the Procession of the 12 Stations of the Cross, the Crucifixion, and finally the Resurrection of Christ. As in many locations around the world, participants wear costumes and play their parts with reverence.

Processions for Holy Week – History

Today as throughout history, the celebration of Holy Week (Semana Santa) processions “remains a sacramental centerpiece for the period of Lent. Each procession is organized by brotherhoods which coordinate all of the logistics including the carriers (cucuruchos) for the floats (andas). Some of the major processions begin before dawn and conclude after dark, requiring some 8,000 participants along the route. Although some processions are more elaborate than others, all of them include two traditional andas. The first, bearing a statue of a cross-laden Jesus of Nazareth, is carried by up to 100 men. The second is a smaller float, born by women, transporting Virgin de Delores who represents the Virgin Mary grieving over Jesus’ crucifixion.”

“According to Elizabeth Bell, cucuruchos historically carried the floats with their faces covered. It is believed that the carriers previously participated solely for penance. But, during the 1950s because of political attitudes, carriers were required to show their faces.”

“Preceding the anda in the procession is a man holding a pole with a sign declaring the turn number the procession is getting ready to make. When the float makes the turn, the carriers designated for that turn are waiting on either side of the street and, as it slowly stops, subtly take the place of the carrier in their assigned position.” This maneuver is so seamless that it is hardly discernable, even though you know it is happening.

“The order of every procession follows a similar pattern. The float of Christ appears first with the figure of the Virgin de Delores trailing about a block behind. Accompanying her are a funeral band and two smaller floats with sculptures of Saint John and Mary Magdalene. These are carried by four men who make change turns (but not at every corner).”

“Some of the processions are more comprehensive in the re-enactment of the last days of Christ’s life. Many participants portray Roman soldiers. The roles of Pontius Pilate and Judas Iscariot are paid positions because no one wants to volunteer for them, and they must march the entire route without replacements. One of the most stunning processions happens on the morning of Good Friday, originating from La Merced Cathedral in Antigua. Along with the typical andas, there are incredibly lifelike wooden statues of Christ depicting His torture and suffering leading up to the crucifixion.”

Thanks to http://lifesstory.com/site/semanasanta.html for quotes and information on the history of processions for Semana Santa.

Semana Santa Dates

 

 

Taking place sometime between March 22 and April 23 each year depending on when Easter falls, Semana Santa or Holy Week is a week long celebration that fills the streets, churches, bars and restaurants. Festivities run all week leading up to Easter and the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

 

Semana Santa Dates	2010	2011	2012
Viernes de Dolores	March 26	April 15	March 30
Sábado de Pasión	March 27	April 16	March 31
Domingo de Ramos	March 28	April 17	April 1
Lunes Santo	March 29	April 18	April 2
Martes Santo	March 30	April 19	April 3
Miércoles Santo	March 31	April 20	April 4
Jueves Santo	April 1	April 21	April 5
Viernes Santo	April 2	April 22	April 6
Sabado de Gloria	April 3	April 23	April 7
Domingo de la Resurrección	April 4	April 24	April 8

 

Semana Santa in Seville, Spain

Processions commemorating Jesus’ death and resurrection are the focus of Holy Week in Spain. “The Holy Week is a moving and dramatic experience, especially in Andalucia. The Andalusians set out their processions to eclipse all others in splendor and pathos.” In Seville, you will witness some 60,000 participants proceeding from the chapel to the Metropolitan Cathedral and back. As will all Holy Week traditions, processions start on Palm Sunday and end on Easter Sunday.

“The oldest brotherhood of Seville, El Silencio, was created in 1340, but most of the brotherhoods were formed in the 16th century by clergy, noblemen, guild members, or racial minorities. In Granada, the brotherhoods are much younger. Except for San Agustín, they were all established in the 20th century. Today, members of brotherhoods consist of religious laymen only. They have their own symbols, traditions, and habits reflecting their religious and social background.”

Thanks to Paula Repo (http://www.travelinginspain.com/sevilla/holyweek.htm) for quotes and information.

Semana Santa in Antigua, Guatemala

Many towns and villages celebrate Semana Santa (Holy Week) at Easter time. But no town celebrates it quite like Antigua. Declared a National Monument by the Guatemalan government in 1944 and named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, Antigua is steeped in both heritage and tradition. Semana Santa commemorates the last week of the earthly life of Jesus Christ, culminating in His crucifixion on Good Friday and His resurrection on Easter Sunday.

The entire city participates in this yearly event, from the very young to the very old. Additionally, thousands of visitors from all over the world flood Antigua to witness the dramatic processions and observe this somber, religious event. 

Semana Santa Overview

Semana Santa, Easter Week or the Passion of Christ is known through out the world as one of the most the most important celebrations in the Catholic Community. The festivities begin with the Domingo de Ramos (Palm Sunday) and end with Lunes de Pascua (Easter Monday). It is a celebration of the last days of the Christ’s life and communities around the world come alive.

Each area, city and town has it’s own accent on it’s celebrations. They all differ but in common they all portray life, color, culture, music and dance, all with a very religious meaning.

In many cities the processions go on for miles and will last until the early hours of the morning, every night through the Easter week. Children as young as 3 or 4 take part and crowds will swell into hundreds of thousands.

In many communities, the full Passion Play is enacted from the Last Supper, the Betrayal, the Judgment, the Procession of the 12 Stations of the Cross, the Crucifixion and, finally, the Resurrection. Participants are costumed and play their parts with reverence.

Everywhere, processions make their way through the streets, carrying religious icons and symbols of their faith. In Antigua alone there are over 100 of these such images. Semana Santa has to be experienced first hand to be fully appreciated and no words can begin to describe the emotions that flow like water, wherever you go. If you have the opportunity to sample these festivities, take it! One thing is sure, the images, music and  experiences will stay with you forever.

During this week, many schools and offices are closed. You can expect many areas to be crowded as people take advantage of the holiday.

Semana Santa Essential Vocabulary

Acólitos: (Altar boys): In charge of carrying processional candlesticks and incense in front of the canopied floats.

Antifaz: (Masks, veils): Pieces of cloth or hood worn by some members of the procession that cover the head and face of the Nazarene penitents, opened with two slits at eye level. They preserve the identity of the brothers.

Armao: Macarena’s brother dressed up as a Roman legionary who strolls behind the Jesús de la Sentencia float (the Christ figure pertaining to the Macarena brotherhood).

Banda de música: The band that accompanies all of the processions except for the silent ones.

Bulla: Huge crowds of people who congregate alongside the religious floats and in specific areas following the routes of the procession.

Capataz (Overseers): Men who are situated in front of the floats guiding the steps of the costaleros (team who transport the huge floats on their shoulders); overseeing the success of these monumental floats make way through the winding streets of Seville.

Capillita: Popular name given to those people involved throughout the whole year in everything regarding brotherhood activities and whose efforts are culminated during Holy Week.

Capirote: Pieces of cardboard that Nazarenes wear on head, under hooded robe. No nicknames such as capirucho or cucurucho (conehead) are accepted.

Centuria: (Centurion): Armed soldiers, proud protectors of the Macarena. Well worth observing them as they parade by. It is no easy task belonging to this group of guards.

Cirial: (Processional candles): Tall candles carried by altar boys who from a distant bring joy and relief to crowds who’ve been waiting impatiently; announcers of the final arrival of a float.

Costal: Piece of cloth that the costaleros place on their heads to assist in carrying the heavy weight of the floats.

Costaleros: Men who carry the religious floats. In ancient times they were carried by dock-workers or masons who were hired for this event. Nowadays most costaleros are members of brotherhoods who even pay a quota to participate.

Cruz de guía: (Guiding cross): Which opens the procession flanked by two Nazarenes carrying lanterns.

Chicotá: Name given to the actual route a float carries out, from the moment in which the capataz indicates the commencement by raising his voice, until it reaches its final destination.

Esparto: Type of wide skirt made of esparto grass worn often by Nazarenes on top of their robes.

Hermano mayor: (Head brother): In charge of brotherhood of Nazarenes, chosen democratically. Often carries a golden post during the procession.

Incensario: (Censer): Ceremonial brass container with top and chains, in which incense is burned. Its smoky presence is key in pervading all senses, especially smell.

Levantá: Moment in which the capataz rings a bell indicating the lifting of the floats. Depending on the type/size of the float, this movement is made in one gesture or slowly.

Llamador: Metal bell, located on the front of the float which the capataz rings with a small hammer, indicating the lifting or putting down of the float. Some are examples of extraordinary craftmanship.

Madrugá: The night/dawn between Holy Thursday and Good Friday during which time the Pasión de Jesús (Christ’s Passion) occurs; the most intense moment of the Holy Week.

Mantilla: (Lace mantilla): Piece of embroidered cloth used with a large ornate comb is traditionally used my women of Seville the afternoon of Holy Thursday and to a lesser extent on the morning of Good Friday; defining the traditional female.

Manto: Large ornately embroidered noble cloaks which drape over the effigey of the Virgin and extended over a large frame, covers the back of the float.

Marcha: (March): Musical composition that accompany most of the routes of the floats, many of which are of beautiful pieces and of enormous musical quality. Examples include works such as: Amargura, Virgen del Valle or Jesús de las Penas.

Mecer: (Swaying): Peculiar movement made by costaleros in rhythm to the music. Accompanied by others who sway the lanterns, dressed in cloaks; all together provide a splendourous spectacle.

Monumento: (Monument): The stagging of the floats composed of statues of angles, candlesticks, flowers and other decorative motifs are placed in numerous churches on Holy Thursday to commemorate the institution of the Eucarist. These stages represent the last remains of ephemeras Rennaisance and Baroque architecture.

Nazareno: (Nazarenes): Brotherhood members who make up the processional entourage and who carry candles or insignias, are dressed in tunics, capes and masked.

Palcos: (Stands): Tiers set up in Plaza de San Francisco, adjacent to the City Hall and considered the most “noble” section of the Official Route (Carrera Oficial). These terrace seats are not rented on a daily fee and can take years to reserve.

Palio: Cloth canopies that cover a framework of poles which support the religious floats, acting as a roof protecting the statue of the Virgin. Many are authentic works of art, embroidery and craftsmanship.

Paso: (Religious Floats and Sculptures): Group of images and statues carried on these stages. They can be scenes of Christ, Jesus, the Virgin Mary or a series of sculptures representing a specific scene of the Passion, know as misterio (mystery).

Penitente: (Penitent): Brotherhood members of the processional entourage who carry wooden crosses, dressed in tunics and masked. Unlike the Nazarenes, they do not wear a cape.

Recogida: (Retreating): Path taken by cofradías from the Cathedral back to their temples.

Saeta: (Flamenco style song): Brief flamenco ballad usually sung from a balcony. The lyrics are an emotional praise to the respective effigies and statues.

Trabajadera: Large wooden beams that the costaleros use to carry the floats.

Varal: (Metal poles): Twelve vertical poles that support the canopies framework of the floats. These beautifully decorated crafted pieces characteristically represent the slight movement of the floats carried by the costaleros.

Viewing Holy Week Processions

Patience! Don’t be afraid to ask a local.

Keep in mind that with all the crowds and multiple processions, it is impossible to experience all that Semana Santa has to offer. It would be the equivalent of expecting to see all that Disney World has to offer in one day! So the best thing to do is map out the week’s events like you would any other trip—find out the procession’s routes, choose the ones you want to see, map out their routes, choose a spot you think will afford you the best view, and then wait till your procession goes by. Expect to be standing for long periods of time (10-12 hours in some cases).

 Allow extra time to get places. With the thousands of people flooding the city streets, a 2-block walk might take 40 minutes, not 12.

 And finally, don’t be afraid to ask a local for his opinion, using the local language if possible. Locals have the best knowledge of routes, the best places to view processions, and other nuggets of information that you might not think of.

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