Holy Week in Mexico until only the center candle, representing Jesus, remains lit. Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, and many communities have special masses dedicated to the blessing of palm fronds. These fronds are often woven into crosses and other designs, sometimes quite intricate and brought by parishioners to have holy water sprinkled on them. Some fronds are later burned and the ashes saved for marking foreheads on the following Ash Wednesday. Maundy Thursday is the beginning of the celebration of Easter proper. Cathedrals in the country have special masses celebrated by bishops, with “chrism” a sacred oil used in the sacraments, is
Holy Week in Cuenca Holy Week in Cuenca Holy Week in Cuenca (Semana Santa de Cuenca) is the most important religious event of Cuenca, Spain. It is celebrated in the week leading up to Easter (Holy Week among Christians). As a reflection of its cultural, historic and spiritual importance, Holy Week in Cuenca was declared "Fiesta of International Tourist Interest of Spain." The Pasos are the core of the festival. They consist of a wooden sculpture or group of sculptures that narrates a scene from the Passion of Christ. Porters called "Banceros" carry them on a platform or staves. Processions are the main event