Holy Week 2023 will start on Sunday, April 2 and end on Saturday, April 8. According to the first full moon of spring 2023, the Easter holidays 2023 will be from Thursday 6 to Sunday 9 April 2023, that is, from Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday.
To determine when Holy Week occurs, Christians look to the Jewish calendar and base it on the day of Passover, since the biblical gospels align the last week of Jesus’ life with Passover, a traditional holiday that he and his disciples celebrated before his death.
Because the Jewish calendar and Easter don’t exactly coordinate into a single date in the modern calendar, the dates of Easter are always a little different, sometimes in March and sometimes in April.
What is Holy Week?
Holy Week is an ancient Christian celebration based on the last week of the life of Jesus Christ before his crucifixion.
The true definition of Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, the day of Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem, and concludes with the celebration of Easter.
Scholars have studied what probably happened on each day of this week and, within it, the most common celebrations are Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
When is Good Thursday and Good Friday 2023?
The key dates of Holy Week in 2023 are: Holy Thursday, April 6. Good Friday, April 7. Easter Sunday, April 9.
Holy Week Traditions: Most Holy Week traditions reflect and recreate the last days of Jesus’ life before his crucifixion.
On Palm Sunday in churches around the world, palm branches are used as decorations and waved during services. On Holy Thursday and Good Friday, Christians reflect on the Last Supper and the crucifixion. During the Last Supper, Jesus initiated the rites of footwashing and communion, which are common Easter traditions, and these days are often somber times for reflection on sin and death.
However, the week concludes with Easter and the joyful celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. Semana Santa traditions for Easter reflect the idea of new life, and Easter egg hunts and gift basket delivery are some of the most popular celebrations for children.
HOLY WEEK IN MEXICO.
Most Mexicans are Catholic. Holy Week in Mexico is a very religious time when the churches are full of faithful. One of the unique traditions of Holy Week in Mexico is a re-enactment of the crucifixion of Christ, with actors forming a procession through the city to enact the Via Dolorosa, or the Stations of the Cross.
In some areas of Mexico it is also a tradition to burn an effigy of Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus. In addition to these religious traditions, it is also the time of spring break when schools and businesses close, giving families the opportunity to go on vacation or spend time celebrating together.
