Holy Week in Philippines

Holy Week is a famous occasion of celebration, fun and frolic in Philippines, a prominent Roman Catholic nation. Holy Week in Philippines also known as Semana Santa, is observed through a week every year. Interestingly enough, during Holy Week, the country observes the mood of rest and resumes activities after Viernes Santo or Mahal na Araw after Good Friday.

Features of Holy Week in Philippines

  -  Holy Week in Philippines begins with the Palm Sunday when the Catholics bring palm leaves or palaspas and finishes on Linggo ng Pagkabuhay or Dia de Pascua on Easter Sunday, when masses and processions are held
  -  The palaspas are often brought back home to guard off from evil forces
  -  The chanting of the story of Jesus' life, passion, and death is carried out for two days from Holy Monday.
  -  Maundy Thursday is observed through church services and Passion Plays and last mass before Easter is observed.
  -  In many parts of Philippines like Manila, San Fernando in Pampanga Province, and Antipolo in Rizal Province, the sufferings and death of Christ in the Cross are enacted on Good Friday. Even Jesus' Seven last words (Siete Palabras) are commemorated and a Passion play called the Sinakulo is performed.
  -  The occasion of Easter Sunday is marked by celebrations of Holy Week in Philippines and transport of statues of the Risen Christ and the Grieving Mother Mary to a particular place