Holy week
Date: March - April

Holy Week and Easter celebrations abound in Oaxaca, because of the deep religious beliefs and Catholic traditions that the people grow up with. The extent of Catholic traditions, manners and customs here are almost impossible for people to ignore.

On the Friday before Palm Sunday, altars are erected, honouring the sorrow of Virgin Mary. These altars are revered in several homes, in the neighbourhoods of Jalatlaco, de la China and del Peñasco, all in the city of Oaxaca.

Palm Sunday in the Oaxaca Cathedral is the scene of the traditional Palm Ritual, exhibiting an beautifully embroidered palm, which is shown to the faithful congregation. This also takes place at the entrance of many other Catholic churches.

In the Xochimilco area, refreshing beverages are offered to the congregation, while they witness the presentation of Biblical passages, such as "The Sign" in the Oaxaca City Cathedral, and "Darkness" in other Catholic churches throughout the city.

A ceremony called "Washing of the Hands" is held in some Catholic churches on Holy Thursday morning. Later in the afternoon, another ceremony, "Visiting the Seven Houses" takes place. During this event, hundreds of faithful citizens go from one temple to the next. The temples are especially furnished for this occasion. There is also a traditional representation of "The Last Supper", which is held in some communities, includes the blessing of the bread.

On the morning of Good Friday, ceremonies commemorating "the finding", are held in Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán and other temples. Later in the day, the faithful congregation celebrates the "the painful procession", "the seven words" and "the descent", which are held in all of the city churches. During the afternoon, the congregation of the "Preciosa Sangre de Cristo" [Precious Blood of Christ] church, marches through the city streets, carrying likenesses and semblances dating back to colonial times. The portrayal of the "pentitent" takes place for the general public, as do other events. A sorrowful, mourning ceremony takes place later in the evening. This event commemorates the Virgin Mary, shown here as the Virgin of Solitude. This likeness is also worshipped as the patron saint of Oaxaca, during a ceremony in the Oaxaca "Basilica de la Soledad" church, and in the majority of churches within the Central Valleys. A solemn, mournful procession that departs from the atrium of the Basilica de la Soledad ends the evening, directed through the main streets of the Oaxaca Historical Centre.

Source: Oaxaca-Travel.com