Semana Santos (Holy Week)

Here in Costa Rica, they celebrate Easter for an entire week. It started last Sunday and will wrap up on Easter Sunday, March 31st. Costa Rica is predominantly catholic; however, the younger generation is straying from the flock. The people I've spoken to say they believe in God or something more, but can do without the church-going tradition. Having said that, Semana Santos is THE most important holiday, even bigger than Christmas. The kids don't have school, the shops are closed for most of the week and people spend their time visiting and eating. If you're strict about it, you don't eat any meat, only fish, during the week, but again, few people seem to follow this rule anymore.

Today, we invited our friends, Adriana and Roberto, Adriana's sister Leidy and her boyfriend Andres to come for a hike on our trails. We had a lovely walk, then came back and shared some dinner. I had made some fresh ceviche this morning and served it as an appetizer... then I made three different kinds of pizzas. Once we were sufficiently stuffed, we left just enough room for the lemon and cranberry cake with a nice cup of tea.

We made and shared tamales at Christmas with Adriana and Roberto and now we enjoyed a lovely get together for Semana Santos. I see a holiday trend happening. We love their company... such good friends!

Wishing all our family and friends a very Happy Easter.