The solemnities of Holy Week are increasingly taking root in Vila Nova de Famalicão and the programme, which includes different initiatives, is already a reference point for those who visit the municipality and the region at this time.
From 16th to 30th of March, all roads lead to Famalicão, which is going to 'Live Holy Week' "with an intense programme aimed at community, religious and cultural experience", points out the mayor, Mário Passos, who also highlights the tourist importance of this initiative. "During Holy Week and Easter, Famalicão is undoubtedly a must-see on the regional religious tourism itinerary," he says.
Regarding the programme, the Confraternity of the Holy Wounds, the organisers of Famalicão's Holy Week, say that the organisation has tried to cement the programme by focusing on dynamics that are more attractive.
"From liturgical celebrations to historical re-enactments, from theatre to music, from art to spirituality, from tradition to contemporaneity, Holy Week involves more and more institutions and audiences in a unique and attractive programme that reflects the growth and commitment we have made to promoting events beyond the borders of Vila Nova de Famalicão," says José Pedro Sousa, judge of the Confraternity of the Santas Chagas.
The Archpriest of Famalicão, Father Francisco Carreira, emphasises the religious character, but also the expression of tradition, of the celebration of what he defines as 'Easter Week' for Christians.
"No-one is indifferent to this Easter celebration. Tradition does not cancel out renewal, but inspires the people of the community to take on the commitment of carrying it forward, because tradition is also the expression of who we are. Worship and culture come together to awaken the meaning of things".
Famalicão's Holy Week programme begins on March 16 with the second edition of the Walk through the Religious and Historical Heritage of Vila Nova de Famalicão and ends on Easter Sunday with the solemn liturgical celebration.
In between, on the weekend of Palm Sunday, the Sweet Easter event will be held again on 23 and 24 March in Praça D. Maria II. The initiative includes the Homemade Easter Sweets Competition, workshops and an Easter concert by the Famalicão Band, to be held on the 23rd in the New Parish Church at 21h30. On Palm Sunday, the 'Hebrew Easter' Biblical Procession will take place, travelling through the streets of Famalicão, starting at 15h00.
There will also be a live Way of the Cross on March 17, staged by users of the Touguinha Support and Rehabilitation Centre for People with Disabilities, and a Youth Way of the Cross through the streets of the town on Friday 22.
On Palm Sunday, the Blessing and Procession of the Branches will take place from Praça 9 de Abril to the New Parish Church, where the Eucharist will be celebrated. Also noteworthy are the re-enactment of the "Last Supper" and the Procession of the Lord of Cana Verde - 'Senhor Ecce-Homo', on March 28, and the re-enactment of Jesus' Trial in the Praetorium, the celebration of the Lord's Passion and the procession of the Lord's Burial, on the 29th.
The full programme for Holy Week in Famalicão is available at www.famalicao.pt.