Holy Week in Panama is one of the most important religious holidays in the country. During this week, the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ are commemorated through various activities and processions that take place throughout the country.
One of the places where the largest celebrations take place is Casco Antiguo, which is already preparing to welcome thousands of Catholics, as well as local and international tourists.
Processions and Liturgical Services
The activities will begin on Good Friday, April 11, with the procession of the Brotherhood of Christ the Redeemer, which will begin at 7:00 p.m., according to Roberto Rollon, the Elder Brother of Holy Week. Throughout Holy Week, various processions and liturgical services will take place, marking the journey of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection.
The Epicenter of the Celebrations will be at Basilica de La Merced
The center of the celebrations will be the route that runs from the Church of Our Lady of La Merced to the Basilica of Santa Maria la Antigua, where the faithful will be able to participate in multiple expressions of faith.
Throughout Holy Week, the Old Town will be filled with processions, prayers, and moments of contemplation, becoming a meeting point for faith and culture.
Opportunity to Enjoy an Experience Full of Devotion
Fray Javier Mañas, priest of Our Lady of Mercy Church, explains that the term “International Holy Week” reflects the open and global nature of the event. They hope this will be a space for everyone, both locals and foreign visitors. It is an opportunity for people from other countries to come, experience, and discover Panama.
Although the event has an appeal that could be considered touristic, Fray Mañas emphasized that its main purpose is reflection and devotion. They do not seek to view it as a tourist product, but rather as a major manifestation of faith.
More than 250,000 people are expected to participate in the International Holy Week celebration in Casco Antiguo.
