Semana Santa - Spanish

Hello! I am Semana Santa. In the Spanish language, my name means “Holy Week.” I am an important time for Christians. People observe me in the spring, right before the holiday of Easter. When people observe me, they remember the story of the last week of Jesus's life. It is a quiet time for thinking and remembering.

One of the main ways people observe me is with special parades called processions. During my processions, people walk very slowly and carefully through the streets of their towns. Many of them carry candles that glow and light up the way. They also work together to carry big, beautiful platforms on their shoulders. These platforms are called “pasos.” On top of the pasos, there are statues that show different parts of the Easter story. You can often hear serious music as they walk. Marching bands play special songs for this important time.

If you see one of my processions, you might notice people wearing special clothes. Many of them wear long robes that cover them from head to toe. Some also wear tall, pointy hoods that are called “capirotes.” These special hoods cover their faces. It is a very old tradition. Besides the processions, my week is also a time for families to be together. They often eat special treats. One popular treat is called “torrijas.” It is a yummy, sweet dish that many people enjoy. Today, people continue these traditions to remember an important story.