If you’ve ever been to Colombia before, you’ve probably heard from the locals about the Holy Week, which is Colombia’s all-week-long Easter celebration. Known as Semana Santa, the Holy Week is a widespread celebration in Colombia that’s bringing all other religious celebrations to rest.
Semana Santa celebrates Easter in authentic Colombian culture and tradition, and it’s a spectacle for both locals and tourists. If you find yourself in Colombia during Easter, there are specific places to visit during Holy Week in Colombia, and we bring you 5 of them, so keep reading.
Popayán
Also known as the White City, Popayán is the ultimate place to be during Semana Santa. Founded in 1537, Popayán is located in southwestern Colombia and is home to nearly 320.000 people. The most interesting thing about this city is that you won’t experience Santa Semana in all its religious glory in any other city quite like in Popayán.
UNESCO graced Popayán with the label The Works of Art of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Mankind. The charming city holds six Holy Week parades, representing Christ’s passion and sacrifice. While in Popayán, you’ll be part of many spiritual music festivals and witness children’s processions. You’ll get to see a lot of cathedrals that have kept their original architecture, which is truly breathtaking.
Ipiales
Ipiales is a charming city in the west of Colombia, close to the state’s border with Ecuador. Anyone that’s on their way to Ecuador is bound to visit Ipiales and be amazed at the city’s gothic-style churches and unique arched bridges.
Ipiales is one of the most visited Catholic pilgrimage locations — Las Lajas Sanctuary is a stunning work of architecture that shouldn’t be missed whenever in Colombia.
Mompox
Mompox is a colorful Colombian town located in the north of Colombia. In 1959, the town gained the status of a National Monument. While in Mompox, you’ll get the chance to see the main tourist attraction in town — the Magdalena River.
Once you stroll the colonial-style streets of Mompox, you’ll feel as if you are in a land far from civilization, and you’ll love it. However, the town comes to life during Holy Week and the town’s renowned Jazz Festival.
The processions in Mompox reminisce a dance you haven’t seen anywhere else. On Holy Wednesday, you would want to be in Mompox — it’s when the locals dress up in costumes and visit the cemetery to pay homage to the departed.
Jericó
Jericó is an Antioquian city that is the birthplace of the first-ever Colombian saint, Mother Laura Montoya. Besides its stunning horizons and lush scenery, Jericó is a massive religious center that tourists must visit.
During Holy Week, Jericó welcomes thousands of pilgrims and tourists to visit the Immaculate Heart of Mary parish and be part of the week-long ceremonies.
Bogotá
There probably isn’t a tourist in the world that hasn’t heard of Bogotá – the capital of Colombia. As such, it’s only logical that the most massive Easter celebration happens in Bogotá. The picturesque city is located at the foot of Monserrate mountain, the sacred ground for Colombians and pilgrims.
If you happen to be in Bogotá during Holy Week, you’ll see millions of pilgrims climbing Mount Monserrate to visit the Santuario del Señor Caído (The Sanctuary of Our Fallen Lord).
Medellin VIP: Be the VIP in Your Own Travel Arrangements
Whether you’re in charge of the destination of the bachelor party or are a solo adventurer looking to broaden your horizons, we at Medellin VIP take everyone’s vacation rentals, transportation needs, and touring requests seriously.
We not only know the best places to visit during Holy Week in Colombia but also make sure your stay in Colombia is your best memory ever. To us, every client is a VIP, and we treat them as such.
Let’s get in touch — we’d love to make your visit to Colombia as enjoyable as possible.
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