Semana Santa (Holy Week) Sites
- Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Braga is one of Portugal’s most important religious celebrations, attracting thousands of visitors and pilgrims. As the "Rome of Portugal," Braga has a long tradition of solemn processions, dramatic reenactments of the Passion of Christ, and stunning church ceremonies. The city’s historic churches, sanctuaries, and streets serve as key sites for these events, creating an atmosphere of deep devotion and tradition.
- One of the main sites during Holy Week is the Braga Cathedral (Sé de Braga), the oldest cathedral in Portugal. It hosts liturgical ceremonies, sacred music concerts, and the famous washing of the feet ritual on Maundy Thursday. The cathedral also serves as the starting point for some of the major processions, such as the Procession of Senhor Ecce Homo, where penitents dressed in hooded robes carry torches through the city.
- Another significant location is the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, a UNESCO-listed pilgrimage site known for its monumental Baroque staircase. Pilgrims climb the zigzagging stairway as an act of devotion, and on Good Friday, the site becomes a major focal point for prayers and religious gatherings. Similarly, the Sameiro Sanctuary, one of Portugal’s most revered Marian shrines, holds Holy Week masses and special prayers in honor of the Virgin Mary.
- Throughout the city, various churches such as the Church of Santa Cruz and the Nossa Senhora da Torre Chapel also play important roles in hosting religious services and exhibits of sacred art. Streets are decorated with candles, flowers, and religious symbols, while traditional wooden floats (andas) carrying statues of Christ and the Virgin Mary are paraded through Braga’s historic center. Holy Week in Braga is not only a spiritual experience but also a cultural and artistic spectacle, showcasing the city's deep connection to faith and tradition.