Easter in Madeira - Portugal

Easter celebrations begin with the Lent, "Quaresma". Lent starts with Ash Wednesday, the dayafter Carnival, and lastsapproximately 6 weeks celebrating the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert. It includes The Stations of the Cross, a celebration of Jesus carrying the Cross and Jesus Crucifixion, Passion Sunday, "Domingo de Passos", and Palm Sunday, "Domingo de Ramos".

The Holy week,"Semana Santa", isthe week before Easter Sunday. It starts with Palm Sunday, "Domingo de Ramos", and includes the Holly Thursday, Holy Friday and Holly Saturday.

The Holy Thursday,"Quinta-feira Santa", is the Washing of the Feet and the Last Supper of Jesus with the Apostles.

On Holy Friday or Good Friday,"Sexta-feira Santa" is thefuneral procession of Our Lord Jesus.

Holy Saturday,"Sábado de Aleluia"is the Paschal Vigil, people pray for our Lord Jesus.

On Easter Sunday people celebrate theResurrection of Jesus Christ. There is a Paschal Procession and mass at churches. At home, families join together for lunches and dinners eating lamb, almonds and chocolates. Some families with children do Egg Hunting, an imported tradition.

On Sundays after Easter Sunday, there are Paschal Visits, when a group of persons from the church, accompanied by the Holly Spirit, visit families, doing blessings and collecting money for the Church.

Easter holidays are two weeks long. Sometimes is two weeks before Easter day; sometimes is one week before and other week after Easter.On Monday after Easter Sunday, there are no classes.