Holy Week
Holy Week celebrations in Braga are the most famous and intense throughout Portugal. The event takes several days along the lent period and is mainly characterized by a series of masses and processions attended by thousands of people.
I've been interested in visually document acts of faith and devotion around the globe and the Holy Week celebration is one of the most meaningful events in the liturgical calendar. All around the Christian globe the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is celebrated in a different and passionate way. Braga, one of the most relevant cities for the Catholic Church in Portugal, was a natural choice for me to start this project.
HOLY THURSDAY
During this day the Church celebrates the beginning of the Passion of the Lord, the period in the life of Jesus Christ where he enters Jerusalem and that culminates with his crucifixion on Mount Calvary.
The Mass of the Lord's Supper takes place during the afternoon at Braga Cathedral, ending in a procession of Christ's body through the Church, in the form of Sacramental Bread. At night the penitents, locally called Farricocos, lead the Ecce Homo procession through the streets of Braga, being followed by historical figures from the Last Supper and judgement of Jesus.
GOOD FRIDAY
Friday signals the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. The overall mood is an invitation for commotion.
The celebrations of this day include several liturgies and prayers, the adoration of the Cross and Eucharistic Communion, all inside the walls of the Cathedral. Still at the same place, the first procession takes shape, the Burial Theophoric Procession. Here, the Blessed Sacrament is carried between the Cathedral's naves and the devotees cover their heads as a sign of mourning. At night, the Solemn Procession of the Burial of the Lord, the most quiet and moving of all takes everyone to the streets of Braga to pay respects to the crucified Lord.
Braga, Portugal - 13 April 2017: People praying during a mass at Braga Cathedral during Holy Week celebrations
Braga, Portugal - 13 April 2017: Procession inside Braga Cathedral during Holy Week celebrations
Braga, Portugal - 13 April 2017: Crucified Christ sculpture at Braga Cathedral
Braga, Portugal - 13 April 2017: Farricoco during Ecce Homo procession
Braga, Portugal - 14 April 2017: Praying during the celebration of the Lord's death mass at Braga Cathedral
Braga, Portugal - 14 April 2017: Burial Theophoric Procession at Braga Cathedral
Braga, Portugal - 14 April 2017: Burial Theophoric Procession at Braga Cathedral
Braga, Portugal - 14 April 2017: Solemn Procession of the Burial of the Lord
Braga, Portugal - 14 April 2017: Jesus Christ being carried during the Solemn Procession of the Burial of the Lord
Braga, Portugal - 14 April 2017: Solemn Procession of the Burial of the Lord
Braga, Portugal - 14 April 2017: Jesus Christ in the cross being carried during the Solemn Procession of the Burial of the Lord
Braga, Portugal - 14 April 2017: Incense thurible being swung during Solemn Procession of the Burial of the Lord
Braga, Portugal - 06 April 2023 : People attending a mass at Sé Cathedral
Braga, Portugal - 07 April 2023 : Sacramental bread given during Holy Week celebration
Braga, Portugal - 07 April 2023 : Lord Theophoric Procession inside Sé Cathedral
Braga, Portugal - 07 April 2023 : Lord Theophoric Procession inside Sé Cathedral
Braga, Portugal - 07 April 2023 : Holy Mary adoration inside Sé Cathedral
Braga, Portugal - 07 April 2023 : Woman in veil at Lord's Burial Procession
Braga, Portugal - 07 April 2023 : Lord's Burial Procession
