Semana Santa 2013: How Does The U.S. Celebrate Holy Week?

It is the big week of the year for Christians everywhere. Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is the week leading towards Easter (Pascua de Resurreción in Spanish) is the most important celebration for Catholics and Protestants alike, besides Christmas.

It is festively celebrated in traditionally Christian countries like Spain and Latin America, with many of them registering peaks in tourism, with hotels and flights usually selling out months in advance. Celebrations include parades, family reunions and especially masses, and finish in the great feast that is Easter.

Hispanic communities around the U.S. observe the holidays, following the traditions from their home countries, although the more secular culture of the U.S. makes them do some changes to their celebrations and rituals. This year, Holy Week falls between Sunday, March 24 and Sunday, March 31, and the days in between will be celebrated according to tradition.

Palm Sunday

On the commemoration of the day that Jesus rode into Jerusalem, many churches hand out palm branches to worshippers, just as crowds welcomed Jesus.

Maundy Thursday

Also called "Holy Thursday," this fifth day of the week offers the tradition of feasting. In the life of Jesus, this was the day of the last supper that he shared with his disciples. Traditions to observe this day are the taking of the Eucharist, church-organized dinners and even the performance of Passover Seders from Jewish traditions.

Good Friday

This day remains an important tradition for both Catholic and Protestant churches. In the life of Christ, this was the day of his arrest, crucifixion and burial. Most churches do not offer communion, and they cover images and sculptures of Christ with black cloth.

Holy Saturday

This is the last day of Lent before the celebration of Easter. Traditionally churches do not offer services today, as a way to mark this day for contemplation and loss of Christ being in the tomb. Some people take part in fasting as an observation of the end of the Lenten season.

Easter Sunday

The last and biggest day, which remembers the resurrection of Jesus, is a day of grand celebration. On Easter mornings, people hide hard-boiled and colored eggs for children to find, and then they will receive a basket with candy and toys to celebrate their findings. Families get together for mass and a feast, usually including lamb and shortbread cake.