Easter in Puerto Vallarta
Aside from Spring Break, Easter is a unique time in Puerto Vallarta and receives distinct attention amid all the frivolity. In 2017, Holy Week (Semana Santa) is April 10 – 16 and Easter Week (Semana de Pascua) is the following week, a two week period with a lot of partying that also includes serious religious observance. School is out for this nearly half month period, so it’s vacation for Mexicans, but with the huge Catholic population, it’s also a time to observe Jesus final days with rituals such as Passion plays and processions. Some cities are known for these celebrations, such as Pátzcuaro, Oaxaca, and San Cristobal de las Casas. A famous Passion play in Iztapalapa draws over a million people for the Via Crucis, a complete reenactment of events leading to and including the crucifixion. Puerto Vallarta is a bit more low-key though there are still many events that occur around the church and observance of this spiritual time.
Palm Sunday (Domingo de Ramos) is when Jesus arrived in Jerusalem. It’s not unusual to see processions reenacting his journey, as they lay down palm branches in the streets leading to houses of worship. These palm branches and woven pieces are for sale in the streets and we love to take them home as decorations after the ceremony. A local man will have the high honor of riding a donkey, impersonating Christ.
On Maundy Thursday (Jueves Santo) or Holy Thursday, foot-washing ceremonies will take place, commemorating the washing of the feet of the apostles and the Last Supper. This will lead to a special Mass with Holy Communion.
Good Friday (Viernes Santo) is a very passionate day, when statues of the Virgin Mary and Jesus are carried through town and chosen men take turns dragging a heavy cross along the route, which is actually rather painful to observe.
On Holy Saturday (Sabado de Gloria) you might be lucky enough to find the fiestas where Judas Iscariot is burned in effigy. He was the disciple who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. This year we expect to see a lot of Trump figures substituted for
Judas, as it is the tradition to either make them look like Satan or a highly disliked political person.
Easter Sunday is spent with family, at home or on the beach, after Mass, serving special meals and lots of fiesta. Happy Easter/Feliz Pascua!
Que es cómo es.
Thanks to our guest blogger Adam Garcia for this article! (opionons expressed are his own)
Do You Want To Live The Ultimate Villa Experience? Thinking Of Renting a Puerto Vallarta Luxury Vacation Villa or Condo? Let Our Beston Properties Team Find You The Perfect Luxury Vacation Villa Rental in Puerto Vallarta or Riviera Nayarit, Mexico. Try Our ‘Perfect Villa Finder’ Tool Here.
For more information about Puerto Vallarta, Mexico or a Villa for rent contact Beston Properties offers the finest Luxury Villa Vacation Rental Accommodations in the Puerto Vallarta and Punta Mita area. Our private rental homes and Condos offer a full range of services from a full staff including chef and a concierge to organize any tours, spa services in the home or Car Rental. We have offices located in Puerto Vallarta and have all the local information from Vallarta weather and maps. All of their agents are personally familiar with each of the accommodations, amenities and staff to help you find the best rental property in Puerto Vallarta. Our concierge services will be happy to give you information on the best restaurants for dining out in Puerto Vallarta we can make reservations and give you directions. We have all the most current information to guide you for your holiday in Puerto Vallarta from our daily weather report to maps and directions.. WE can arrange activities with any tour company including Vallarta Adventures, one of the most popular companies in Banderas Bay. We represent the best quality of homes for rent by owners who care about your comfort and hope you return for many years of unforgettable Mexican holidays. For more information check out our luxury accommodations.