Holy Week on Mallorca

Holy Week on Mallorca is not only a religious celebration to commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, but also has become over the centuries a popular celebration. Holy Week begins on April 16 with Palm Sunday. The most important liturgic act is the blessing of the Palms, followed by the Procession that represents the triumphant entry into Jerusalem by Jesus.

Later, on Maundy Thursday, in nearly all the towns of Mallorca, the procession of "La Sang" (the blood) is held, with 'pasos' (images of the passion), statues, candles, hooded penitents, centurions... On Good Friday, the spectacular "Davallament" is held at the Calvari of Pollença: the procession with the image of the dead Jesus descends the Calvari hill down the 365 stone steps, bordered by Yew trees. We also recommend the "Davallament" in Arta, in the Sant Salvador enclosure.

Easter Sunday sees the most important procession "Encontre" which represents the meeting of the newly risen Jesus with his mother, held in most towns.

At this time of the year, it is typical to go the fun fair "Fira de Ram" that is installed near the Palma Cemetery, in the Camí de Jesús. On Mallorca it is traditional to make "panades" (meat pies), "robiols" and "crespells" (sweet pastries).

On the Mallorca Bishopric's web page you can find the programme of events and processions organized in Palma and an interesting article about the "important creixement de confraries a Mallorca". You can also find information about Holy Week on the web Hermandad y Cofradía de penitentes de la Sagrada Cena y Nuestra señora de la Salud.

Date of publication: 10/04/2000

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