Holy Week in the Philippines for "Gloria" Saturday) refers to the return of the "Gloria in Excelsis Deo" during the Easter Vigil held on this day. The hymn is absent throughout Lent except on solemnities and Maundy Thursday. The ritual mourning for the “dead” Christ continues, albeit with less intensity. Traditional taboos from the previous day, such as merrymaking and the consumption of meat, are carried over and sometimes broken at noon. This includes swimming in a river or the sea, as superstition warns against bathing on Good Friday afternoon. Most commercial establishments operate on shorter hours, with smaller enterprises in many areas remaining closed
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