07012014Tue
Last updateFri, 27 Jun 2014 12pm

Understanding Santa, Pascua weeks

There is sometimes confusion among visitors to Mexico over the difference between Semana Santa and Semana Pascua.

The word Pascua translates to Easter in English, with Easter Sunday known as Domingo de Resurrección. Semana Pascua, however, refers to the week beginning Easter Sunday, during which schools are closed.  Semana Santa is the week leading up to Easter Sunday, incorporating Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

A few, smaller businesses will close for both weeks, and many tradespeople will take the opportunity for a long break. All government offices will be closed Thursday and Friday of Semana Santa but will be open during Semana Pascua, as will the Guadalajara Reporter.