The entire week before much of the world celebrates Easter, the people of El Salvador are celebrating the Semana Santa, or Holy Week, to remember Jesus’s suffering, death, and victorious resurrection. For Latin Americans, this vacation week encompasses some of our deepest and most extensive traditions, while providing us with a break from the normal rush of daily life and giving us time for ourselves and our families.
A traditional “carpet” made of colored sawdust. Photo La Prensa GráficaJust as U.S. families often celebrate Easter with special church services, Easter egg hunts, chocolate bunnies, and pastel colors, Salvadorans participate in traditional celebrations as well. Throughout the week, we enjoy typical Semana Santa foods, such as dried fish with eggs, candies made of mango and desert plums in honey and brown sugar, and a sweet bread called “Torreja.” In rural areas, some churches celebrate with special services and others with processions in the streets. In a country where the majority of the population is Catholic, this week is filled with solemn celebrations, fervor, and processions that can be seen throughout El Salvador. One of the most beautiful traditions are the carpets laid down to decorate the city. The carpets are made of sawdust and salt, along with brightly dyed flowers that make up colorful and unique works of art which cover the streets.
It is undoubtedly a week that is long-awaited, and we are excited to spend time with our families as we reflect on the hope and life that comes with the Easter story. Whether we are dying easter eggs in Colorado Springs, attending a sunrise service in California, watching the processionals in San Salvador, or joyfully praising God in a small concrete church in rural El Salvador, Christians all over the world this week are giving thanks for the resurrection and celebrating life everlasting!
Happy Easter!