Semana Santa Easter in Argentina

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Semana Santa Easter in Argentina Easter is one of the most important holidays in Argentina because of the range of activities it spawns all over the country.

1 Semana Santa Easter in Argentina Easter is one of the most important holidays in Argentina because of the range of activities it spawns all over the country. Travelling during this festivity is a wonderful opportunity to know more about the country s essence while enjoying the different alternatives Argentina has to offer. Semana Santa Holy Week On Easter we celebrate the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ. The celebrations of Palm Sunday, a movable feast held on the first Sunday before Easter, mark the start of Holy Week, leading up to Easter Sunday, the most important date in the Church calendar, when we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. On Palm Sunday, celebrations begin with the distribution and blessing of olive branches by the priests. A procession celebrating Christ's entry to Jerusalem is followed by Mass (the only Sunday of the year on which the gospel of the Death and Resurrection of Christ is pronounced). Then, on Maundy Thursday the Chrism Mass is celebrated, where the Bishop concelebrates with the diocesan priests. He consecrates the holy chrism and blesses the other oils. The priests renew their commitment to faithfully serve as Christ taught them. Good Friday is the only day that there is no mass, this day is used to meditate on the Passion of Christ, with the rite of the worshipping of the cross. Black Saturday marks the celebration of the Easter Vigil.

2 On Easter Sunday we celebrate the Resurrection, this celebration goes on for 50 days. Semana Santa in Buenos Aires Mass Schedule: The following are the masses programed for Easter Week at the most important churches and cathedrals of the Buenos Aires area: Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Pilar (1904 Junín St., Recoleta) 07:30 pm.: Mass of the Lord's Supper 10:00 pm: Holy Hour 06:00 pm.: Celebration of the Passion 09:00 pm.: Stations of the Cross (Via Crucis). 10:00 pm.: Easter Vigil Mass 08:30 am, 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 07:00 pm, 08:00 pm and 09:00 pm: Easter Mass Parroquia San Nicolás de Bari (1352 Santa Fe Av., Recoleta) 07:00 pm.: Mass of the Institution of the Eucharist with Washing of the Feet Good Friday (March 29 th ) 05:00 pm.: Celebration of the Passion Black Saturday (March 30 h ) 08:00 pm. : Easter Vigil Mass

3 Easter Sunday (March 31 th ) Every hour from 08:30 am. To 12:30 pm. and at 06:00, 07:00 and 08:15 pm. : Easter Mass Parroquia del Patrocinio de San José (1064 Ayacucho St., Recoleta) 09:00 pm.: Visit to the Seven Churches (departing from the church) Basílica del Santisimo Sacramento (1050 San Martín St., Retiro) 08:00 pm.: Mass of the Lord's Supper 05:00 pm.: Celebration of the Passion 08:00 pm.: Easter Vigil Mass 09:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 07:30 pm, 08:30 pm.: Easter Mass Iglesia de Santa Catalina (705 San Martín St., City Center) Palm Sunday (March 24 th ) 12:00 pm.: Mass with blessing of the palms. 12:00 pm.: Easter Mass Iglesia de San Pedro Telmo (340 Humberto Iº St., San Telmo) 07:30 pm: Mass of the Lord s Supper 06:00 pm.: Celebration of the Passion

4 09:00 pm.: Easter Vigil Mass 09:00 am, 11:30 am and 07:00 pm: Easter Mass Iglesia de San Ignacio (225 Bolivar St., San Telmo) Palm Sunday (March 24 th ) 11:00 am.: Blessing of the palms in the corner of Bolivar and Moreno Sts. and Mass 07:00 pm.: Mass with blessing of the palms. 05:00 pm.: Mass of the Lord's Supper 08:00 pm.: Celebration of image and sound 03:00 pm.: Celebration of the Passion 08:00 pm.: Easter Vigil Mass 11:00 am. and 07:00 pm.: Easter Mass Basilica de San Francisco (380 Adolfo Alsina St., San Telmo) Palm Sunday (March 24 th ) 11:00 am and 06:30 pm.: Mass with blessing of the palms 06:30 pm.: Mass of the Lord's Supper 05:00 pm.: Celebration of the Passion 09:00 pm.: Easter Vigil Mass

11:00 am and 06:30 pm.: Easter Mass San Isidro Cathedral (16,200 Del Libertador Av., San Isidro) Palm Sunday (March 24 th ) 10:00 am., 12:30 pm. and 08:30 pm.: Mass with blessing of the palms.

5 11:00 am and 06:30 pm.: Easter Mass San Isidro Cathedral (16,200 Del Libertador Av., San Isidro) Palm Sunday (March 24 th ) 10:00 am., 12:30 pm. and 08:30 pm.: Mass with blessing of the palms. 07:00 pm.: Mass with blessing of the palms and solemn procession (at the side of the Cathedral, in Anchorena St.) 09:30 am.: Chrism Mass, concelebrated by the bishop and priests of the diocese. 08:00 pm.: Mass of the Lord's Supper 11:00 am.: Celebration of the Passion 06:30 pm.: Stations of the Cross (Via Crucis), departing from San Isidro Train Station. 09:30 pm.: Easter Vigil Mass celebrated by Monsignor Ojea. 10:00 am., 12:30, 07:00 and 08:30 pm.: Easter Mass Via Crucis As every year, the Asociación Amigos de la Avenida de Mayo and the Archbishopric of Buenos Aires will organize the traditional Vía Crucis. Starting from Plaza Lorea (Av. De Mayo and Luis Sáenz Peña) at 08:30 pm on Good Friday (March 29 th ), the procession will go along Av. De Mayo throughout the Vía Crucis 14 stations, ending at Plaza de Mayo. Continuing with the tradition, some participants will carry a 15 metres cross (weighing 130 kg.), as an expression of sacrifice and solidarity with Jesus. Once the procession reaches Plaza de Mayo, a representation of the crucifixion of Jesus will be performed by a group of actors with a scenography specially designed for the occasion.

6 This event will not be cancelled due to bad weather. Holy Week at Tierra Santa Tierra Santa is the world s first religious theme park and it is only a few minutes away from the city centre, located at Rafael Obligado Av (Costanera Norte). The park s main peculiarity is the union between the past and the present, an educational recreation of Jerusalem in the beginning of the Christian era. During Holy Week, the park will be open from 12:00 pm to 08:00 pm. commemorating the celebration of Easter, Tierra Santa offers a series of activities intended to revive and remember the main aspects of this festivity. This day is dedicated to the representation of the Last Supper, so unleavened bread will be distributed to commemorate that moment. Good Friday (March 29th) The park s most important celebration will take place on Good Friday. The Stations of the Cross and the crucifixion will be portrayed in the park s original scenography, with live actors and the participation of the public. Black Saturday (March 30h) Sundown will be marked by a fireworks show and the Celebración de las Velas (Candle Celebration), to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. Easter Sunday (March 31th) On Easter Sunday, all kids who visit the park will be given the traditional chocolate Easter eggs. Traditional Food In Argentina, Easter is marked by two traditional foods: chocolate eggs and the Rosca de Pascua. Also, during Holy Week and especially on Good Friday, it is very common to eat fish, since there s a practice of not eating meat for the death of Christ. For the best chocolate treats, the suggested options are:

Vasalissa: a very elegant and classy boutique located in Callao Av. 1940 (Recoleta) Elite: also located in Callao Av.

Compañía de Chocolates: with innovation as their motto, in here creativity flourishes in the combination of all kinds of spices, flowers, infusions and many ingredients more to create truly bespoke

The store is located in Rodríguez Peña 1847 (Recoleta) To get some delicious Roscas de Pascua you can go to: Dos Escudos: one of the oldest and most traditional bakeries in the Recoleta

7 Vasalissa: a very elegant and classy boutique located in Callao Av (Recoleta) Elite: also located in Callao Av. (in this case at number 1747), this place is known for its wide variety of original chocolate creations. Compañía de Chocolates: with innovation as their motto, in here creativity flourishes in the combination of all kinds of spices, flowers, infusions and many ingredients more to create truly bespoke chocolates. The store is located in Rodríguez Peña 1847 (Recoleta) To get some delicious Roscas de Pascua you can go to: Dos Escudos: one of the oldest and most traditional bakeries in the Recoleta neighbourhood, located in Juncal 905. L épi: a classic French boulangerie in the centre of the city, Montevideo Mamía: best know for its irresistible cakes, Mamía is located in the chic neighbourhood of Las Cañitas, at Soldado de la Independencia If you want to eat fish during Holy Week, two very good restaurants are: Fervor: One of the best restaurants in town, an excellent grill with about the best service in Argentina. Their specialty is grilled meat, fish, seafood, chicken, vegetables, everything on the grill and fresh produce. It is located in 1519 Posadas St. Oviedo: Serves the best fish and seafood in town with excellent ambience and unpretentious and impeccable service and cuisine. It is located in 2602 Beruti St. Other special activities across Argentina include: Salta In the lovely province of Salta, traditional liturgical events blend with local traditions and landscapes.

The Good Friday Via Crucis of Seclantás includes over 100 people on stage and will end with the representation of the crucifixion on a natural hill.

8 Among the several Via Crucis (Stations of the cross) scheduled for Good Friday, the one of Seclantás stands aside. Seclantás is a little town located 186 km from Salta City, near Cachi, in the Calchaqui Valleys. The Good Friday Via Crucis of Seclantás includes over 100 people on stage and will end with the representation of the crucifixion on a natural hill. In Chicoana, 35 km away from Salta City, the Via Crucis of the Passion of Christ will be held on Good Friday, at With over 100 people on stage, the Via Crucis will represent different scenes of Jesus life, like the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the expulsion of the merchants, the Sermon on the Mount, the Last Supper and the prayer in the Garden of Olives. In Salta City, you shouldn t miss on Good Friday the different worships performed in the churches of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria and La Merced: the wake of the Reclining Christ in the Altar, the penitential procession (Via Crucis), the word celebration and the adoration of the Cross. Calafate The surroundings of El Calafate bear an intense rural life, which can be appreciated in the different estancias of the area. Nibepo Aike, a ranch located inside Los Glaciares National Park, 56 km away from El Calafate, offers an original activity for Semana Santa. They invite guests to participate in a large herding that will take place Friday 29th (Good Friday). More than 400 cows, which meet at high fields, where they spent the spring and summer, are herded through the valley of the Cachorro creek to the fields where they will spend the winter, along the southern branch of the Argentine Lake. Travelers who join in the proposal will help in the task by riding their own horses. For those who can t ride or find this activity too intense, Nibepo Aike offers the possibility of meeting the herding in the pens, to see how the estate is dispersed later in the meadows along the South Arm of Argentine Lake.

Although no official dates have been released, many wineries have their proposals defined.

9 Mendoza From March 23 rd to April 7 th, the XIII International Classical Music Festival through the Wine Routes will take place in Mendoza. Prestigious concerts will be held in churches, chapels, wineries, museums and heritage sites, many of them free of price. Although no official dates have been released, many wineries have their proposals defined. For example, on Saturday 30 th, Cellos Argentinos, a chamber ensemble comprised of eight cellists directed by the famed Carlos Nozzi, will present their repertoire that spans from traditional classics to folk rhythms. The event will take place at 8 pm in Bodegas Lopez. Puerto Madryn As every year, Puerto Madryn s special proposal for Holly Week consists of an underwater Via Crucis, which will take place on Good Friday, with similar characteristics to those made on the surface, with the original difference that both the stations of the cross and its followers go underwater. Participants are professional divers and Father Juan Gabriel Arias, who will precede the ceremony, will be transported underwater in an acrylic capsule, in which he will be narrating the way of the Cross, illuminated on the ground. On the surface, kayaks, sailboats and small boats will accompany the procession, also illuminating the surface. Visitors can follow the ceremony from the dock, along with worshipers from all churches in the city, who will await singing and holding candles. It is a truly beautiful and unique experience! Another proposal is the Fishermen Fair, where super fresh products are offered. There will be tastings, cooking classes specializing in seafood and live musicals.

Luján The city of Luján, located 67 km away from Buenos Aires City, if one of the most important religious centers in Argentina, home of the famous Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Luján, which receives

This pagan holiday was first celebrated in 1923 with a representation of colonial period festivities and dramatizations of colonial times social scenes.

10 Luján The city of Luján, located 67 km away from Buenos Aires City, if one of the most important religious centers in Argentina, home of the famous Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Luján, which receives thousands of worshipers every year. The colonial Easter is a tradition in Lujan. This pagan holiday was first celebrated in 1923 with a representation of colonial period festivities and dramatizations of colonial times social scenes. It will include the burning of Judas, a parade and giant puppets built by the staff of the Complejo Museográfico. Firworks will close the event that will take place on Easter Sunday near the Basilica. Also, on Good Friday, a Via Crucis representing the 14 stations of the Cross will be held at El Quinto, one of Lujan s neighborhoods. The procession will finish in front of the basilica. Miramar Miramar, a familiar beach resort in the Buenos Aires province, prepares for this Holy Week the biggest Easter Egg in America. A team commanded by pastry chef Walter Aragones will build a gigantic structure, completely made out of chocolate, of about 4 tons and with an estimated final height of 6 meters. On Sunday March 31 st (Easter Sunday) the egg will be broken in front of visitors, who will be invited with a serving of the egg, which makes about 25,000 servings. This event will be overseen by a notary public to certify the record to Guinness World Records, in the category World's Biggest Artisanal Chocolate Easter Egg. Tandil

30 pm onwards, the procession of the Entombment of Christ will be held. It is a route of 1,5 km of departing from the famous Cross of Calvary on to the Parroquia del Santisimo Sacramento.

11 This year, Easter Week in Tandil will be special, because, the traditional liturgy is joined by the birthday of the city. On April 4 th, Tandil turns 190 years and there will be a week of celebrations, with acts and shows every day! On Good Friday, from 5.30 pm onwards, the procession of the Entombment of Christ will be held. It is a route of 1,5 km of departing from the famous Cross of Calvary on to the Parroquia del Santisimo Sacramento. Also, at 8 pm the traditional Via Crucis will take place at the Monte Calvario. From Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday, at 9 pm, the Anfiteatro Municipal Martín Fierro will play Nazareno, el hombre, a traditional drama show that narrates the life, passion and resurrection of Jesus, with a cast of 400 people. Other options include the Craftsmen Fair of Parque Independencia, with exhibitors from all around the country, where you can find articles of wood, wicker, leather, metal, fabric and yarn, and handmade jewelry, among others. And the Flavors Fair of Plaza Moreno, with regional products such as salami, cheese, regional beers and homemade jams. Happy Easter!

St. Mary s Holy Week 2018

St. Mary s Holy Week 2018 Come and celebrate your faith! Come and celebrate with your community! v We should try to fit the liturgies of this HOLY WEEK into our usual routine and take the time to celebrate