Holy Week 2026 Begins in Mérida with Palm Sunday

Mérida, Yucatán — With a large turnout of worshippers and amid an atmosphere of religious fervor, the Yucatecan capital kicked off Holy Week 2026 with the traditional celebration of Palm Sunday, one of the most representative dates of the Catholic liturgical calendar.

From early morning, the Rectory of Santa Lucía became a meeting point for hundreds of families, visitors, and believers who came to participate in the blessing of palms, a symbol of the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.

The ceremony was led by the Archbishop of Yucatán, Gustavo Rodríguez Vega, who during his message urged those present to experience this beginning of Holy Week not only as a tradition, but as a current spiritual experience, marked by a personal commitment of faith.

A Procession Through the Historic Center

After the blessing with holy water, the procession began its journey to the Cathedral of San Ildefonso, a route steeped in symbolism. The image of Jesus riding a donkey advanced amidst chants and raised palm branches, recreating one of the most significant passages from the Gospel.

The passage of the religious contingent through the Historic Center attracted both locals and tourists, who joined in the celebration or documented the moment, while the streets were filled with color, tradition, and manifestations of faith.

Upon arriving at the Cathedral, the ringing of bells signaled the entrance of the faithful, who filled the sanctuary in an atmosphere of reverence. During the Mass, the blessed palms were raised once more, framed by incense and the solemnity of the rite.

Archbishop's Homily Focuses on Love and Reflection

In his homily, Archbishop Rodríguez Vega reminded everyone that Palm Sunday not only commemorates the proclamation of Christ as king, but also introduces the mystery of his passion, inviting reflection on key moments such as the Last Supper and the Crucifixion.

“The cross is the greatest lesson in love,” he said, while calling on believers not to lose sight of the meaning of the resurrection, even in the midst of adversity.

In the vicinity of the Cathedral, merchants offered palm fronds in various designs, keeping alive a tradition deeply rooted in the religious culture of the region.

In this way, Mérida formally begins Holy Week 2026, a period that calls for reflection, spirituality, and inner renewal for thousands of believers in Yucatán.