Religious tourism. Faith that runs through the world

It is time for faith, sharing and reflection. And doing so in Portugal, with the family is important, as well as fulfilling all the traditions to which Easter ‘obliges’, many do not abdicate how it is done outside. In Portugal and around the world, Easter is celebrated in many ways and some take advantage of these rest days to know other cultures and other celebrations ranging from the most traditional to self-flagellation or crucifixion staging. In our country, religious tourism has great potential, but it is this same tourism that also takes many Portuguese outside, especially the Holy Land, where everything happened, or to the Vatican, where is the maximum figure of the Catholic Church.

Holy Land. The origin

Although in times of war and with various countries advising up travel, Israel continues to prepare Easter. But it is possible that this year is a little different. Some say it is the best time to go to Jerusalem. All the Passover lived in the Holy Land will have a different symbolism because the exact steps of Jesus will be portrayed. On Holy Friday the old town fills with pilgrims who follow Jesus’ footsteps to the Golgota, where he was crucified. The procession is named ‘The Way of the Cross’ and begins at 11:30 am, starting from Station I on the Dolorosa Via. Ceremonies such as the last supper or the foot washing are recreated and there is still mass in the Basilica of Agony, in the Garden of Gethsemane (on the Mount of Olives), where Jesus retired to pray and meditate before being delivered by Judas.

Vatican. Celebration week

The Vatican receives the one that is probably the largest and most symbolic celebration of Holy Week in Europe. In addition to the daily masses, there is also a highlight for the Lava Lava ceremony (which happens on Holy Thursday), when the Pope kneels to wash his feet to the faithful. The calendar varies from year to year, but Holy Week began with Ramos Sunday, where the entry of Jesus is celebrated in Jerusalem, and culminates with Easter Mass. But beware: To watch a mass with the Pope you need to book ticket, which is always free. And it is better to do it in advance. However, this year, due to the weaknesses in the health of Pope Francis, the Vatican announced that his participation «In the rites of Holy Week is not yet confirmed».

Fatima. The largest pilgrimage place

Fatima receives pilgrims throughout the year but Easter – as well as Holy Week – is a high time in the country’s main religious center. In addition to the sanctuary, which is the largest pilgrimage place in Portugal, there is also the wax museum and the famous scenario of the three shepherds and the miracle of Fatima. After Ramos Sunday, the next major celebration is the Beso Lava Mass or the last supper. In the pit of Iria, to the rite of the foot washing are symbolically invited 12 employees of the Sanctuary of Fatima. At midnight, a wetland is marked on the path of the pastorinhos, starting in the chapel of appearances. Friday, at 15h, is the time of the Mass of the Passion of the Lord. Already the Holy Sabbath is a waiting time. « The Church remains next to the grave of the Lord, meditating on his passion and death, abstaining from the mass to the solemn vigil or night waiting for the resurrection. »indicates the Roman Missal. The Easter Vigil is at 10 pm and Sunday there are several masses.

Lourdes. Faith and History

In Lourdes, in southern France, as in all the Catholic churches, Holy Week begins on Ramos Sunday and includes Holy Thursday, when the last supper of the Lord is celebrated, and the Holy Friday, with the celebration of passion. Ends with the Pascal Vigil on Holy Saturday night for Easter Sunday. And there are many celebrations in the Massabielle Cave, the place of the appearances of Lourdes and which is located in the heart of the sanctuary. Something that takes place throughout the year and will also take place at this point is the Torch procession – they happen on several days – mandatory for all who pass through Lourdes, whether they are pilgrims or simple visitors attracted by the history and fame of the place.

Philippines. Extreme devotion

During Holy Week, the Philippines have a lot to offer those who are in the archipelago. The processions are the former libris and there are always many associated with the celebrations. They can occur on several days of the week. The provinces of Malolos, Bulacan and Rizal have huge processions on Holy Wednesday, which start around 6 pm and continue night inside. And they have statues of Jesus, Virgin Mary, 12 apostles, and other saints. But Easter in the Philippines is brought to the letter and is still a bloody ritual. Dozens of people take to the streets and self-threaten to remember the death of Jesus, contrary to the Vatican’s indications, which disapproves of these practices. The Catholics of the Philippines represent the last moments of the life of Jesus Christ, with people nailed to wooden crosses or in times of self -flagellation until she pours blood in extreme demonstrations of religious devotion.

Poland. Different Monday

In Poland, after the liturgy of the Holy Friday, it is customary among Catholics to be with a statue of Jesus taken from the cross within the church. It is a symbolic vigil that is marked by silence and prayer. Out of the ordinary is Easter Monday, also known for wet Monday. Easter Monday or śMigus-Dyngus It is undoubtedly one of the most famous traditions. It is a joke that consists of throwing water to other people. On this day, we used to throw water on young girls. The one who was upset or not wet would be aunt. It was possible to avoid getting wet (śMigus) Paying a tribute in the form of painted eggs, sweets or money. It was the call Dyngus. However, today, the śMigus-Dyngus It differs from its original meaning and it is said to give luck to the rest of the year. Travel agencies have many options for destinations such as Krakow and Warsaw. By way of example, the Sanctuary of St. John Paul II, in Krakow, has several celebrations for this Holy Week.

Compostela. ‘Single Splendor’

The Path of Santiago is well known and extends throughout Western Europe. And every year it takes thousands of Catholic faithful to the city where the Cathedral of Santiago is located. And if so is all year round, during Holy Week this place gains another meaning for those who believe. And even for those who do not believe. Holy Week has impressive processions and architecture gives the commemoration of the passion of Christ «A unique splendor and a particular solemnity». Eleven Compostelaan brotherhoods walk through the historic city, accompanied by the sharp sound of the horns and the low rhythm of the drums, which echo in the streets of Pedra. But Spain has many other cities that take Easter seriously.

Text. Curious tradition

84 kilometers from the capital of El Salvador, the town of Texisystepeque has a different tradition that has to be carefully watched. It is a ritual, known as such, in which costumed people imitate a struggle between Jesus and the devil, and the good side always wins. For those who want to visit the place, it is best to be careful, since it can take it with a whip, even if it is unintentionally. This tradition, which is repeated every year, begins in a mass. Then come the men dressed in demons and a man dressed in Jesus Christ, who is persecuted. The whipping are considered a sacrifice.