Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Costa Rica

Semana Santa, the week before Easter Sunday, is a major holiday in Latin America. Thursday & Friday are official holidays, but most government offices and most businesses are closed all week. This year Semana Santa falls from March 28-April 4. Keep reading to learn how Ticos will celebrate it.

Food is an important part of every holiday, and Semana Santa has its own treats. Chiverre is a sweet squash that is dried and then made into a sweet paste called miel de chiverre (chiverre honey). Miel de chiverre is used as a jelly and is often rolled into dessert empanadas. Since meat is prohibited on Fridays during Lent, fish and seafood dishes are also very common. Alcohol is prohibited from being sold between midnight Wednesday until midnight Saturday.

One unique tradition takes place in Guanacaste, on the coast of Costa Rica. Men capture a crocodile (with their bare hands!) and tie it up in the middle of town. It is then released the following day. And yes, this tradition is protested by animal and environmental activists. Another more common tradition, which takes place throughout Latin America, involves burning an effigy of Judas on Saturday.

For many Ticos, Semana Santa has lost its religious focus, and is instead a time to take vacation and relax. Beaches are notoriously crowded during the whole week, especially over the weekend. Doña Carmen, our base housekeeper, refers to Semana Santa as a time for peace. She plans to spend time with her family relaxing in the reserve next to base. Others go to church and attend religious celebrations, such as masses and processions. For the religious of Costa Rica, Good Friday is the most important day of Semana Santa.

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