Popayan is finalizing its preparations for the city’s cultural highlight of the year; the Holy Week ceremonies that will be held from April 1 to 7.
The week’s events center around the re-enactment of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, known as the Passion of the Christ, using beautifully detailed wooden carvings from the 17th century.
Popayan’s tourism office director Carmen Leonor Acosta described Popayan’s Holy Week as a cultural event that preserves the city’s history and religion while providing a huge source of income and economic activity.
Acosta told Colombia Reports that preparations begin six months before Holy Week. The mayor of Popayan has issued a decree that every house in the historic district of the “white city” must be painted and that the sidewalks through which the processions pass in all of the historic district must be painted every year. Holy Week brings work to artists and artisans for months ahead of time while they prepare the city and the various crafts and foods that will be sold during the week.
For the last 50 years there has also been a religious music festival in Popayan during Holy Week. There are popular concerts in locations throughout the city that are almost all free.
Holy Week attracts extremely beneficial media attention that attracts tourists who are a major source of income. According to Acosta the city’s hotels are already at a 60% capacity and people are making new reservations every day. Even if Popayan’s hotels and hostels get full, families are ready and willing to open their homes to visitors.
“There is hospitality for everyone who comes,” said Acosta. There will be travel operators and locals waiting to give cultural tours, craft tours, scenic tours, and even tours of neighboring towns as well as students working at information desks, ready to distribute information and assist tourists.
One of the oldest traditions in Latin America, Popayan’s Holy Week has been celebrated annually for over 450 years. The week consists of a number of events that commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Popayan’s Holy Week, a UNESCO , is famous for its ornate processions and beautiful statues.
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Sunday April 1 – Palm Sunday
Holy Week begins with the “Descent of Love,” a day long procession during which the image of Santo Ecce Homo is carried from the Basilica of Bethlehem to the Our Lady of Assumption church.
Tuesday April 3 – Holy Tuesday
On Holy Tuesday the statues are decorated with white flowers, symbolizing Christ’s purity. The parade starts at the St. Augustine church.
Wednesday April 4 – Holy Wednesday
On Holy Wednesday is the Night of the Pink Flowers, which begins at Popayan’s oldest cathedral called La Ermita. The pink flowers represent the joy that humanity has for its immediate redemption.
Friday April 6 – Good Friday
Holy Week’s most symbolic event, on Good Friday the drama of Christ’s crucifixion is re-enacted. A skeleton is used to represent Death and a group of men use hammers, chisels, and other tools to symbolically remove the savior from the crucifix. Finally, the image of Christ is laid in the Holy Tomb made of ivory and tortoise shell.
Saturday April 7 – Holy Saturday
Late on Saturday is a procession representing Jesus’ resurrection called Jesus Resucitado is held after the Easter Vigil.