For the last 26 years, Santa Maria da Feira has re-enacted theatrically the events associated with the final days of Jesus’ life, celebrated by Christians all over the world, generally between February and April, as the Holy Week. This year’s event, same as in other years, will be possible thanks to the efforts and dedication of Grupo Gólgota – Association, with the collaboration of the City Hall and the Holy House of Mercy of Santa Maria da Feira, the Parish of Santa Maria da Feira, and the Passionist Missionaries. This time, though, it will be extended for a longer period of time.
Because of its history and dynamism, the Semana Santa of Santa Maria da Feira has become a national reference among the most important Christian calendar events.
The 26th edition, which runs from February 18 to April 29, will include 35 cultural, social and religious activities inspired by the history of Christianity. It is undoubtedly a one-of-a-kind program that includes liturgical celebrations, historical re-enactments, theater, music, art, spirituality, tradition, and contemporaneity, using the city as a platform for reconstructed biblical stories, allowing visitors to experience significant moments in Christian history while focusing on religious, cultural, and social aspects.
As a consequence of the coordinated efforts of civic and church culture, this holy festival has drawn new and demanding audiences.
Don’t miss the 5 concerts (classical, religious, and pop music), 2 walking and biking excursions around the local heritage, 2 plays, 2 sacred art exhibitions, 2 themed debates, 2 guided night visits to churches, 1 theatrical workshop, 1 film session, and 3 historical re-enactments.
The schedule also covers all religious celebrations taking place in Santa Maria da Feira’s three churches during Lent, Holy Week, and Easter.
Notwithstanding the richness and diversity of this edition’s program, the highlights of Holy Week in Santa Maria da Feira remain the same: the recreation of the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, the recreation of the Last Supper, Gethsemane, and Sanhédrin, the Procession of the Endoes, and the recreation of the Via Crucis are the four distinguishing and anchor moments of this event, which has established itself as a national reference.
It is one of the city’s richest celebrations, with thousands of people gathering for a spiritual cause. It takes a lot of planning, hard work, and effort to accomplish together and because of this it has received so much attention. Purple is used to blanket the city as a sign of preparation, penitence, and conversion. In addition to all of the dynamics that surround it, it is also a space for artists, variety, and significance.
If you believe you have a reason to visit this amazing ceremony, wait till you feel the spirit of this season. Click here for additional information on the program.
