One of the most deeply rooted dates in Mexican culture is the commemoration of the passion and death of Jesus Christ. For devout Catholics, these are days of observance, mourning, respect, and meekness.
In Querétaro, the tradition of these dates has prevailed for many years, filled with nuances that recall the sacrifice of God in giving his only son to save us from sin.
For this occasion, we have compiled the must-visit places to fully experience Holy Week and learn about the deep-rooted culture of Querétaro.
From this day on, the Major Week begins with Palm Sunday, which commemorates the triumphant entry of Jesus into Nazareth.
HOLY THURSDAY
The consecration liturgy, whose main message is the institution of the commandment of love, performs the act of humility and love that Jesus had for his apostles and the world. Washing and kissing the feet. The representative mass generally begins in churches and temples of the Queretaro capital at 17:00 hours; then it is time to visit the Seven Altars, in memory of the journey that Christ made before his crucifixion, where after the prayer upon leaving, chamomile and blessed bread are given away.
We recommend you visit and admire the beauty of these places:
THE PARISH OF SANTIAGO
Address: 16 de Septiembre corner with Próspero C. Vega, Historic Center.
SANCTUARY OF THE CONGREGATION OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
Address: Luis Pasteur corner with 16 de Septiembre, Historic Center.
TEMPLE OF LA MERCED
Address: Independencia #80 Historic Center.
SANCTUARY OF THE HOLY CROSS OF MIRACLES
Address: Explanada de la Santa Cruz, Barrio de la Cruz.
TEMPLE OF SANTA CLARA
Address: Andador Madero corner with Allende, Historic Center.
TEMPLE OF SANTO DOMINGO
Address: Guerrero corner with Pino Suárez, Historic Center.
TEMPLE OF SANTA ROSA DE VITERBO
Address: José María Arteaga #89 Historic Center.
GOOD FRIDAY
A day of mourning and observance, in Queretaro customs, Good Friday was a day of mourning, dressing in black, and in homes, music was not listened to, television was not watched, and there was a silence that held the pain of the crucifixion.
The most deeply rooted living Stations of the Cross are:
STATIONS OF THE CROSS OF LA CAÑADA
This year it is believed to be 159 years old, although historians suggest it may be a bit older.
It will begin at 8:00 in the morning at the Church of San Pedro and San Pablo, going through the main streets of El Marqués, until reaching the hill of the Baustisterio to culminate at 15:00 hours with the crucifixion.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS OF SANTA MARIA MAGDALENA
With more than 100 years, this is one of the most visited Stations of the Cross in the Queretaro capital, it is in the main square where the pilgrimage of Jesus begins and also the solemn act of the Seven Words takes place.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS OF SATELLITE
The group that makes up the representation of the passion of Christ, celebrates 50 years of its foundation and it is in this colony of the Queretaro capital where from 7:30 in the morning the biblical passages will begin to be finalized at 15:00 hours.
PROCESSION OF SILENCE
The route that begins at the Convent of the Holy Cross of Miracles is based on the five sorrowful mysteries of the rosary and the fourteen stations of the cross, which are represented by the different brotherhoods.
Founded in Querétaro in 1966 by Father Fray Ernesto Espitia Ortiz and the priest José Morales, although historians refer that this tradition has been carried out by Catholic faithful since the viceregal era in Querétaro.
PLACES TO VISIT
In the imposing Historic Center, you can find many restaurants offering a vast gastronomy, terraces where you can cool off with sophisticated cocktails, local, national, and international wine labels. Street stalls where you can taste “guajolotes”, Queretaro-style enchiladas, gorditas, and sweeten the moment with typical fillings of chilacayote, rice pudding empanadas, charamuscas, and the classic stuffed mantecado ice cream, while you admire its gardens, squares, and walkways that offer typical crafts such as the Lele dolls.
Source: Diario de Queretaro
