| Ouro Preto - Semana Santa |
Semana Santa of Ouro Preto is known due to the strong religiosity of the people.
Celebrated since the beginning of the 18th century, only a few things were changed in the celebration, which mix colors, shapes and
faith. The promenades are the religious images drawn with seeds and flower petals in the avenues.
Every year, the preparative of Semana Santa is responsibility of a different
church. The celebration begins at Domingo de Ramos, with a procession that goes from São Francisco Church to Nossa Senhora da Conceição Matrix
Church. During Wednesday it’s the time of Solene Ofício das Trevas, done with candle lights and spoken in Latin. During Thursday there’s the
ritual of "Lava-Pés". On Friday, the biggest attraction is the stage of Christ’s death. After that, there’s "Procissão do
Enterro", where it’s possible to watch dealers closing their stores, especially bars, when the crowd pass by them.
From Saturday to Easter Sunday, the excitement returns to Ouro Preto, celebrating
the resurrection of Christ. Processions are done in the streets, which are adorned with images made of petals, sawdust, seeds and other kinds
of material. The work is done by the residents themselves.
São João del Rei, Congonhas, Mariana and other cities of Minas Gerais, realize
celebrations during Semana Santa as beautiful as the ones organized in Ouro Preto. |
Presentation
