semana santa

Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Medellín, Colombia is a powerful and deeply spiritual time, blending Catholic traditions with local culture. It’s a reflective, often somber week leading up to Easter Sunday, with a focus on the Passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Here’s what typically happens:

🌿 Key Events & Traditions in Medellín:

1. Palm Sunday (Domingo de Ramos)

Marks Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem.
People carry palm fronds (some are beautifully braided).
Special Masses are held, often outdoors or in plazas.

2. Holy Monday to Wednesday

Masses continue with scripture focused on Jesus’ final days.
Many people begin to take time off from work and school.
Churches are busy, and people often visit multiple throughout the week.

3. Holy Thursday (Jueves Santo)

Commemorates the Last Supper.
Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper is held.
Churches are decorated with flowers, candles, and altars.
Traditional to do a “Visita a los Siete Templos” (Visit to Seven Churches), praying at each one — a kind of spiritual pilgrimage.

4. Good Friday (Viernes Santo)

No Mass is held this day, but there are powerful Stations of the Cross processions (Via Crucis).
People walk through neighborhoods or up mountains (like Cerro Nutibara or El Poblado) reenacting Jesus’ journey.
Streets are quiet, shops close, and the mood is very solemn.
You might see dramatic reenactments with Roman costumes and crosses.

5. Holy Saturday (Sábado Santo)

A day of silence and reflection.
At night, the Easter Vigil is held — a long, moving ceremony with candles, readings, and finally the joyful proclamation of resurrection.

6. Easter Sunday (Domingo de Resurrección)

Joyful Masses all over the city.
Families gather for meals.
It’s more low-key than Christmas, but still celebrated with warmth and family togetherness.

✨ Cultural Notes in Medellín:

Many people leave the city for the coast or countryside during this week, so Medellín can feel unusually calm and peaceful.
Street vendors sell palm crafts and religious icons.
Music, especially sacred choral works or classical music, fills churches.
Catholicism is still deeply embedded in Medellín’s culture, so the week is treated with reverence.

🧘🏽‍♀️ Good to Know if You’re Visiting or Observing:

Wear modest clothing if attending church or processions.
Be mindful of the reflective tone, especially on Good Friday.
It’s a beautiful time to witness Colombia’s spiritual depth and communal rituals.
Transportation and services may be limited, especially Friday–Sunday.

its 1am. i am in medellin. it’s raining outside. i was lying in a hammock 10 minutes before i started writing. today is saturday, april 19, 2025, which is holy saturday (s_ábado santo_)—the penultimate day of semana santo (holy week) in Medellín and throughout Colombia.

🙏 What Happens on Holy Saturday in Medellín?

Holy Saturday is a day of deep reflection and quiet anticipation. It commemorates the time when Jesus lay in the tomb, and the faithful await the celebration of His resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Key Traditions:

Silence and Reflection: Many observe a somber atmosphere, refraining from festivities and focusing on prayer and contemplation.
Church Services: While Mass is not typically held during the day, churches remain open for personal prayer.
Easter Vigil: After sunset, the Easter Vigil (Vigilia Pascual) takes place. This is one of the most significant liturgical events of the year, featuring the blessing of the fire and water, the lighting of the Paschal candle, and the celebration of the resurrection.

🕯️ Tips if You’re in Medellín Today:

Attend the Easter Vigil: Consider participating in the evening vigil at a local church to experience the profound symbolism and community spirit.
Observe Local Customs: Be mindful of the subdued atmosphere; it’s a day for introspection rather than celebration.
Prepare for Easter Sunday: Families often use this day to prepare for the joyful celebrations of Easter, including planning meals and gatherings.

📕 Shae's Journal

Explorer