A religious practice which is observed in the Philippines, starting from the last Sunday of the month of March which ends on a Saturday. The majority of the population in our country are Roman Catholics and a practice which was inherited from the Spanish. Showing respect to the life and death of Jesus during this week can be seen and felt in the country.

Semana Santa

Passed down from generation to generation some practices seems to be superstitious for others. We are not Roman Catholics but my grandmother was. The recollection I have from her during this time she always tells us not to take a bath during Good Friday and Black Saturday. Her explanation was that God is dead during that time and we must not take a bath. I never really understood it but the real reasoning is abstinence from any thing that is enjoyable to us. This is just one of the ways to show sorrow for the death of Christ. But does not necessarily mean not to take a bath during this time.

Another practice which is observed is not to eat any meat especially pork. You can only consume fish and vegetables which starts Wednesday which I believe. At the office I noticed that majority on the menu are fish and vegetables. There is also a dish which is very popular in our area during this time. A dish which is composed of fish potatoes, chickpeas and cabbage. I would be sharing it once my aunt prepares it anytime this week.

The observance can also be felt on the airwaves as majority of the radio stations are off the air. Even television stations cease their regular programming. You would see only religious movies and shows on tv. Back then when we operated a small video rental shop almost all of our movies are rented out. We always prepared for this week acquire a lot of new titles as people would just stay at home and watch movies.

Roads are also almost empty during this time and the holiday which starts on Thursday. There are some who still has work and get paid double for it. For me my long weekend starts now. Still I would be very quite busy to cover as much as I could in this weeks proceedings. Something I would be sharing only here at Steemit.

Most establishments are closed including the giant malls that we have. So pretty much it's one way of telling you to just stay at home.

A lot of procession can be seen in fact we had one yesterday. A reenactment of the stations of the cross. Roads were blocked and people in costumes can be seen in the procession. Something I would be sharing tomorrow and I hope you would check it out.

The Semana Santa a part of our culture and life which adds color to our country. A practice that would continue with the following generations.

Thanks for again joining me today and please do leave some comments. Is there anything like this similar in your country. I'd love to hear it.

Until then I bid you a good night from the Philippines.

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All photos are original and taken with

Lumix GX85 and 12-32 mm