Faces of Costa Rica

Holy Week: Vacation or Veneration?

Holy Week, Semana Santa in Spanish, is one of the major national and religious holidays in Costa Rica. Celebrations take place during the week leading up to Easter Sunday. Almost all businesses are closed from noon Wednesday through Easter Sunday and transportation is scarce.

Daily processions celebrate Christ's path, including his death on Good Friday and resurrection on Easter Sunday. Processions where church groups dress in red and purple robes, carry large crosses or crucifixes, statues of the Virgin Mary and palm fronds are common.

Of course, not all Ticos take part in these events. Some head to the beach for the week to enjoy time off from work and school. Regardless of plans, Ticos enjoy the vacation!