Semana Santa in Chile?
Replies: 3 - Last Post: Mar 5, 2013 7:39 AM Last Post By: catahuidobro
jump to
Semana Santa in Chile?
Hi there, I want to learn much more possible about tradition of people in Chile, and I assume in Chile like in rest of Latin America there is interesting events connected to Holy week(Semana Santa) like processions linking churches as well as pray the Stations of Crosses during Maundy Thursday or even Golgotha played outdoor on Great Friday???Where travelers can expect to see some of it, which cities/villages? I want to definitely check out some of it(I am exploring area from Santiago down to Punta Arenas)
What other interesting customs goes with it?
I believe so its its not yet commercialized and overflown with rabbits etc.
Thank you in advance
Ivi (in research of your beautiful country and its customs :) Sorry for my spanish being very poor :-( I am coming from Croacia.
1
Cities, and even large towns, will all have a Via Crucis of some sort. There will be one up to the Virgen from the Pio Nono entrance to the Cerro San Cristobal on Good Friday at 3 pm. But most activities will be simply religious ceremonies. If you are in Chile for Palm Sunday, you will see the sellers of the palm leaves, some braided into quite intricate shapes.The only activity I know of which is particular to one place and a bit out of the ordinary is the burning of Judas in Valparaíso. Over Easter weekend kids make dummies representing Judas out of old clothes and some stuffing. They drag these around the hills asking for money. On Easter Sunday in the evening a large figure of Judas is set on fire in Playa Ancha. People can attach bits of paper to the figure before it is burned, on which they have written their faults or sins. You can get information on exact location and time closer to the date in Valpo at the municipality or there should be posters around.
What you really should not miss is Cuasimodo, the Sunday after Easter. This is a celebration of central Chile and its huasos (cowboys) and not celebrated in other parts of Chile. This article explains it quite well:
http://cachandochile.wordpress.com/2010/04/19/cuasimodo-chilena/
3
Hi, thanks for your interest in Chilean traditions! Many people think that celebrations that take part during Semana Santa come from christianism, but they also come Northern Europe and even pop culture.During Semana Santa it is commemorated the day Jesus was crucified and then resurrects on the third day (that's why there's 3 days of celebration). The catholic church starts on the Jueves Santo (Holy Thursday) up to the Domingo de Resurrección (Resurrection Sunday), with several religious activities taking part on those days, basically celebrating Jesus' resurrection.
Catholics don't eat meat on the holy friday; instead they enjoy fish and seafood (wich is a great oportunity for travelers to try the local cuisine at places like Valparaíso).
Like Femby mentioned, Valparaiso is known for its Holy Week celebrations, If you happen to visit during that time is a must-see for traveleres looking for culture and historical experiences. They perform the religious activities in the very heart of the city, among its colorful hills like the Cerro Los Placeres, celebrating with thousands of locals and travelers from all over the world.
And of course, the easter bunny is still a big deal in Chile. Anyhow, taking part on these celebrations is a great experience and a chance to explore Chile's culture and traditions.
If you're interested on visiting smaller places, off the beaten path, to see this celebrations, let me know, I've been to many!
