Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ are foundational to the Christian faith. That’s why the major branches of Christendom (Roman Catholic, Protestant and the Eastern Churches) memorialize – in various ways – the death, burial and resurrection of Christ each spring.

In Mexico, Easter is a nationwide spectacle of pageantry, reverence and celebration, lasting throughout Holy Week. Planning for Holy Week, called Semana Santa, starts with months of anticipation and planning for the passion plays, fervent processions and altar displays that take place all over the country.

The solemn festivities usually begin on Domingo de Ramos (Palm Sunday) commemorating the day that Jesus arrived to Jerusalem prior to his crucifixion. As the biblical passage goes, palm branches and clothing were spread in his path, and today, reenactments often include these elements.

Jueves Santo (Holy Thursday) commemorates the day of the Last Supper, marked by nationwide visits to seven temples, designated churches in each town or city. Viernes Santo (Good Friday) marks the day that Jesus was crucified on the cross, with reenactments of the crucifixion taking place all over the country.

Sábado de Gloria (Holy Saturday) memorializes the full day Christ was in the tomb. On this day, statues of Mary are covered with black dresses, because she is considered to be in mourning. Domingo de Pascua (Easter Sunday) is a day for celebration, commemorating the day of Jesus’ resurrection, featuring music, dance and cultural activities.

In addition to special mass ceremonies, an important and ubiquitous element of Semana Santa is the Vía Crucis (Way of the Cross,) a procession in which an actor portraying Christ bears a cross down a street. In some locales this is part of a Passion Play, a dramatic representation of the crucifixion of Christ.

The Passion Play was brought over to Mexico by Christian missionaries from Europe at a time when it and other religious plays were a widespread vital element of European culture. The play not only survived in Mexico but was incorporated into the local dramatic rituals already an innate part of the local culture. In Mexico, brilliant Aztec colors are noticeable throughout, and ancient dances are often performed alongside Christian rituals.

Most of the celebrations involve solemn processions, plays or reenactments of biblical scenes; others incorporate unusual elements into their festivities such as prehispanic dances and exploding Judases.

But Semana Santa is much more than a religious occasion. Like all holidays in Mexico, it is also a festive occasion, a time when people come together to socialize and celebrate. And, as the next week, known as Pascua (the celebration of Christ's resurrection) marks the release from the sacrifices of Lent, thousands of Mexican Nationals travel to popular beach destinations to enjoy the outdoors... and themselves.

Nearly everyone in Mexico is granted time off from work and school during Holy Week and Easter Week, making this THE time of year for many Mexican Nationals to vacation in Puerto Vallarta and the towns surrounding Banderas Bay. The beaches are bursting, the streets are jammed, and the Malecón is filled with people enjoying food, fireworks, and entertainment.

Combining the beauty of traditional Mexican culture and the excitement of a two-week-long party, Semana Santa and Pascua are probably some of the most festive and exciting times to visit Puerto Vallarta - and well worth experiencing for yourself.