Costa Rica is observing Holy Week with a series of religious events and cultural traditions that offer visitors and residents an opportunity to experience one of the country’s most significant annual observances.

The Catholic celebration runs from Sunday, March 29, through Sunday, April 5, commemorating the final days of Jesus Christ’s life, including his passion, death and resurrection.

Across the country, Easter traditions blend Catholic rituals with local customs passed down through generations. Towns and villages host religious ceremonies, processions and markets that reflect both faith and community heritage.

While Holy Week is marked nationwide, each region incorporates distinct elements. In many communities, participants wear traditional vestments and walk through historic streets carrying religious statues and symbols in elaborate processions.

The Archdiocese of San José, the country’s oldest Catholic institution with more than 100 churches, is leading many of the observances. Officials are inviting the public to attend events that include Mass, outdoor processions and prayer services held in churches throughout the country.

In downtown San José, processions will include live reenactments depicting scenes from Jesus’ final days, accompanied by music from the San José Municipal Band.

Holy Week events in the capital are scheduled as follows:

Palm Sunday, March 29: A procession begins at 9 a.m., commemorating Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The route runs from the Dolorosa Church to the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Monday, March 30: The Way of Sorrows (Via Crucis) begins at 7 p.m. at the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Tuesday and Wednesday, March 31 and April 1: The Holy Farm Blessing takes place at 8 a.m. in San José's Central Park and in central parks across the country.

Maundy Thursday, April 2: A procession begins at 7:30 p.m., traveling from the Metropolitan Cathedral to the Carmen Church.

Good Friday, April 3: Two major processions are planned. At 10:30 a.m., a procession departs the Soledad Church for San José's Central Park, commemorating the crucifixion. At 6 p.m., the Holy Burial Procession will move through the streets surrounding the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Holy Saturday, April 4: The Virgin Mary Mourning Procession begins at 4 p.m., starting at Soledad Church and ending at the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Easter Sunday, April 5: The final procession begins at 9:30 a.m., traveling from the Merced Church to the Metropolitan Cathedral to mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Holy Week is widely regarded as a meaningful cultural and religious experience, with each region offering its own interpretation of these traditions.

In related developments, the country began its Holy Week school break last Friday. More than 1 million students from public elementary and secondary schools, universities and academies are on a one-week vacation.

Passenger rail service has also been suspended for the week to allow for repairs to eight bridges and a tunnel along the line that officials say pose safety risks.

------
Have you experienced Holy Week events in Costa Rica? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com

----------------