SEMANA SANTA

There are many icons for which Spain is known around the world: bullfighting, flamenco, Franco, the running of the bulls, Las Fallas, the Inquisition,...and this brings us to the religion for which Spain is known is predominantly Catholic. Being Spaniard almost equals Catholic. (Where am I going with this? You'll find out in one minute; just be patient)... Of all of the Catholic traditions which are celebrated throughout the year, none is most important than the Passion of Christ or Easter Week, which in Spanish is called Semana Santa o Pascua (Holy Week). There are only three countries which are recognized for their ritual celebration of Easter; these being Israel, meaning Jerusalem, Italy, with special attention to Rome, and Spain with special note to the southern region of Andalusia, but it is also true that many other parts of our geography celebrate it as fervently as well. Beginning with the Domingo de Ramos (Palm Sunday) and ending with Lunes de Pascua (Easter or Paschal Monday), Spain is filled with laughter and tears celebrating friends, color, and life itself.