Celebrating Semana Santa & Pascua in Puerto Vallarta
An estimated one out of every five Mexicans, around 20 million people, travel during the Easter holidays, and Puerto Vallarta is one of the most popular places for those looking for a few days of fun-in-the-sun!
Each spring, around the world, celebrate Easter, memorializing the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Mexico, the Easter holidays are a two-week celebration, combining Semana Santa (Holy Week) and Pascua (Resurrection Sunday until the following Saturday.)
Semana Santa celebrates the last days of Jesus Christ’s life, but it is is much more than a religious occasion. A time of national vacations and “Spring Break” from schools, Semana Santa is Mexico’s most widely celebrated and important holiday of the year.
As one of the oldest traditions in México, Semana Santa is an artistic and cultural event of major importance, with everyone – young and old, rich and poor, nationals and tourists – actively participating in the celebrations. Most of the celebrations involve solemn processions, plays, or reenactments of biblical scenes; others incorporate unusual elements into their festivities, such as prehispanic dances and fireworks.
It all started on Palm Sunday on April 14th when churches across the city celebrated the blessings of the palm fronds; in observance of Maundy Thursday, locals hold all-night vigils. On Good Friday, the city streets are colored with spirited religious processions and Passion of the Christ re-enactments.
In many communities, the full Passion Play is enacted from the Last Supper, the Betrayal, the Judgment, to the Procession of the 12 Stations of the Cross, the Crucifixion and, finally, the Resurrection. The enactments are nicely staged, costumed and acted, with participants preparing for their roles for nearly the full year leading up to Semana Santa.
On Easter Sunday, visitors will not find any Easter bunnies or egg hunts. Most locals have a quiet and relaxing day. Almost everybody goes to morning mass before enjoying a peaceful afternoon at home with family.
The week following Easter Sunday, April 21st to April 27th is called Pascua, which is the celebration of the Resurrection. Pascua marks the release from the sacrifices of Lent, and Vallarta goes into full-on party mode! Banderas Bay beaches are bursting, the streets are jammed, and the Malecón is filled with people enjoying food, festivities, fireworks, and live entertainment.
While it may sound a bit chaotic, Semana Santa and Pascua are probably some of the most festive and exciting times to visit Puerto Vallarta. If you wish to witness the beauty of traditional Mexican culture – and enjoy the excitement of a two-week-long party in Puerto Vallarta – Semana Santa and Pascua would be well worth experiencing for yourself.
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We represent the best quality of homes for rent by owners who care about your comfort and hope you return for many years of unforgettable Mexican holidays.
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Relax and experience the charm and culture of Puerto Vallarta with quaint cobblestone streets, the fragrant scent of Bougainvillea, beautiful beaches, Mexican cuisine, outstanding golf courses and a host of activities for everyone to enjoy!
Our private rental homes and condos offer a full range of services during your stay from full staff services including a chef who will prepare two meals a day.
Our concierge services will personally contact you with information on activities, tours or spa services in the privacy of your own villa rental, to the best restaurants for dining out in Puerto Vallarta. We have the most current information to guide you for your holiday in Puerto Vallarta from our daily weather report to maps and directions.
For more information about renting a villa in Puerto Vallarta contact Casa Bay Villas at info@casabayvillas.com or call us at 203.386.8022.
We hope you will visit one of our featured vacation rental villas soon and experience the Magic of Puerto Vallarta!
Our mission at Casa Bay Villas is to exceed your expectations, listen to your needs and to assist you in selecting the best villa rental for your vacation in Puerto Vallarta Mexico.