Holy Week is here and in a country like Costa Rica where the majority of the population is Catholic, there are many religious traditions taking place all around the country.

The “procesiones” ( processions or religious parades) began yesterday with the Virgen de la Dolorosa and continued this Palms Sunday with the reenactment of the entry of Jesus to Jerusalem.

While some communities make these parades simple, and involve the carrying of religious images on shoulders with the public marching behind it, singing and praying; some other communities put together parades that are a lot more elaborated, with real theater actors and actresses that give life to each of the characters of the respective biblical passage and that take months of preparing and rehearsal.

Religious parades are done as a way of celebrating the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, it’s a way for Catholics to honor their beliefs and religious fervor, they are also part of the country’s culture and tradition, and for those who take active part on them, is a way to honor God, sometimes it is also an offering or sacrifice for a petition made or granted; walking under the blazing March sun in Costa Rica carrying a pedestal on your shoulders, or just marching requires physical but mostly spiritual strength.

If you are spending your vacation this Holy Week in Costa Rica and you want to witness this cultural experience, we recommend the religious parades organized by the San Jose Churches or also the processions prepared by the San Joaquin de Flores, Heredia community; visit the church closest to you to get information on activities and schedules.

Usually the most elaborated and detailed religious parade takes place on the morning of Good Friday, known as the “Procesion del Encuentro” commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary, visit San Joaquin de Flores to take part of this event, but be sure to get there early, it begins at 9:30 a.m. and extends for a couple of hours.

This year, the Easter Parades will be celebrated inside the churches due to the presidential elections that take place this same day.