Holy Week is the most sacred time in Christianity, remembering the final days of Jesus Christ—from His entry into Jerusalem to His resurrection.
It usually falls between March and April.
Palm Sunday
- Commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, with palms blessed and processed.
- People bring **palaspas (palm leaves)** to church for blessing
Holy Monday
- Jesus clears the Temple of traders and money changers.
Holy Tuesday
- Jesus foretells his betrayal by Judas and denial by Peter.
Holy Wednesday
- Known as “Spy Wednesday,” focusing on Judas plotting to betray Jesus for 30 silver coins.
- Quiet reflection days
- Many attend Mass or do personal prayer
Maundy Thursday
- Commemorates the Last Supper, the institution of the Eucharist, and the washing of the disciples’ feet.
- Remembers the Last Supper
Tradition: Visita Iglesia (visiting 7 churches) - Alay Lakad pilgrimage to the Antipolo Cathedral, the traditional Alay Lakad on Maundy Thursday.
- A pilgrimage is a sacred journey, often taken to a holy site, shrine, or place of religious significance, intended for spiritual growth, penance, or devotion
Good Friday
- Solemn remembrance of the Passion, Crucifixion, and death of Jesus, typically marked by services at 3 p.m..
- Marks the crucifixion and death of Jesus
Observances: - Fasting & abstinence / no meat
- Stations of the Cross
- Processions (like *Santo Entierro*)
- Avoiding taking a bath on Good Friday is a deeply rooted Filipino superstitious belief, particularly practiced after 3:00 PM, which is traditionally considered the time Jesus Christ died. It is not a doctrine or rule of the Catholic Church.
Black Saturday
- A day of waiting and reflection as Christ’s body lies in the tomb, concluding with the Easter Vigil at night.
- A day of silence and waiting
Churches are quiet; no Mass during the day
Easter Sunday
- The resurrection of Jesus, celebrating the victory over death.
- Celebration of Jesus’ resurrection
In the Philippines: Salubong (reenactment of meeting Mary and Jesus)
Common Filipino Traditions
- Visita Iglesia – Visit multiple churches for prayer
- Pabasa ng Pasyon – Chanting the story of Christ’s passion
- Senakulo – Live dramatization of Jesus’ life and suffering
- Processions – Religious statues carried through streets
Food & Fasting Guide
- Avoid meat on Ash Wednesday & Good Friday
- Eat simple meals (fish, vegetables, bread)
Tips for Observing Holy Week
- Spend time in prayer or quiet reflection
- Limit entertainment (TV, social media)
- Attend church services if possible
- Practice kindness and forgiveness
- Reflect on personal growth and faith
Travel Reminder (Philippines)
Holy Week is also a major travel season:
- Expect crowded roads and resorts
- Many businesses close on Good Friday
- Book transport and hotels early
Liturgical Practices & Colors:
- Colors: Purple/violet is used until Maundy Thursday to symbolize penance.
- Red is used on Palm Sunday and Good Friday (symbolizing blood).
- White or gold is used on Easter.
- Jesus is condemned to death: Pontius Pilate condemns Jesus to die.
- Jesus carries his cross: Jesus takes up his cross on his way to Calvary.
- Jesus falls the first time: Weakened, Jesus falls under the weight.
- Jesus meets his mother: Jesus meets his mother, Mary, on the route.
- Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus: Soldiers force Simon to help carry the cross.
- Veronica wipes the face of Jesus: Veronica offers her veil to wipe Jesus’ face.
- Jesus falls the second time: Jesus falls again under the heavy cross.
- Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem: Jesus consoles the women weeping for him.
- Jesus falls the third time: Jesus falls a final time near the top of the hill.
- Jesus is stripped of his garments: Soldiers divide and strip Jesus of his clothes.
- Jesus is nailed to the cross: Jesus is crucified.
- Jesus dies on the cross: Jesus breathes his last.
- Jesus is taken down from the cross: Jesus’ body is removed and placed in Mary’s arms.
- Jesus is laid in the tomb: Jesus is buried in Joseph of Arimathea’s tomb.
The Seven Last Words of Jesus
- “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34)
- “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43)
- “Woman, behold your son… Behold your mother” (John 19:26-27)
- “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34)
- “I thirst” (John 19:28)
- “It is finished” (John 19:30)
- “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46)