by Luis Rey Matías-Cruz/ Casa de Esperanza/ Oaxaca, Mexico
Holy Week celebrations are official dates on the Mexican calendar. Many people use the week for family vacations. Many others, however, observe this week as a religious holiday. The festivities begin with the Samaritan Woman’s Day, March 17, to remember the story of the Samaritan woman in the New Testament. As a feature of the celebration agua frescas made of natural fruits are given to many in schools, the public, government, and businesses throughout the city.
Holy Week begins with a sacred music concert by the city choir. The Catholic temples are opened to exhibit their altars. On Palm Sunday the Catholic Church blesses the palms. Some historic Protestant churches celebrate Palm Sunday, but most charismatic congregations don’t. Prior to Good Friday a classical concert with sacred music is presented in the city’s center. On Holy Thursday foot washing is practiced at Casa de Esperanza; we don’t know if there is any other Protestant congregation that practices foot washing.
There is a tradition in the city to visit the seven altars of the Catholic temples. On Good Friday a silent Stations of the Cross procession is held (with religious content only, nothing political or social content). Holy Saturday is called “Glory Saturday.” In the main temple of the city there is a ceremony of lighting the new fire. Finally various Catholic churches celebrate Easter Sunday with a resurrection party. The resurrection is also observed in Protestant congregations. In our small community it is celebrated with coffee as we watch the early sunrise.