While Comayagua is famed for its Holy Week celebrations, Copanecos put on impressive processions throughout the week to reenact the events of Jesus’ final week, his death and resurrection. The town of Santa Rosa typically posts a schedule of services and processions on the door of the cathedral at the town square.

Palm Sunday

There are several services around town, but the 8 a.m. mass at the Iglesia de San Martín is the one to attend, as it’s followed by a procession to the cathedral. Evening masses are then held at the cathedral Monday, Tuesday, and Holy Wednesday, at 5 p.m.

Maundy Thursday

At 7 p.m. there is a special Eucharist mass in remembrance of the Last Supper, followed by a washing of feet and a procession. The Procesión de Prendimiento, to remember Jesus’ capture by the Romans and incarceration, begins at 10 p.m. at the Iglesia de las Misericordias and ends at the cathedral.

Good Friday

Flower and sawdust carpets are laid on the street for the Via Crucis, known in English as the Stations of the Cross, which remembers Jesus’ journey to Golgotha with the cross on his shoulders. The procession begins at 8 a.m. at the cathedral and follows a two-kilometer route around town. Arrive early to view the carpets before they are trampled by the processioners. A re-enactment of the crucifixion is held at noon. At 3 p.m. there is another procession, in remembrance of Jesus’ burial. At 9 p.m. there is a procession in honor of the “Virgin of Loneliness,” an all-woman procession illuminated by candlelight.

Holy Saturday

An Easter Vigil service is held at 10 p.m.

Easter Sunday

Those late to bed or very early to rise have the chance to witness the Carreritas de San Juan at 4 a.m., when a statue of Saint John is raced from the cathedral to the Iglesia de San Antonio, in representation of John racing to tell the Virgin Mary that Jesus has been resurrected. An hour later the final procession of the week departs from the Iglesia de San Antonio, bearing Jesus back to the cathedral, and is followed by Easter Mass. There are several more services during the day for those who can’t get out of bed quite that early.