Easter is a big deal in Mexico where over 90% of the population is Catholic. The Easter period, known as Semana Santa, starts on Palm Sunday (Domingo de Ramos) and comes to an end on Easter Sunday (Domingo de Pascua). But unlike in the UK, where Easter is mainly about chocolate eggs, roast lamb and school holidays, Mexicans approach Semana Santa with the explosive zeal that you’ll also see in Día de los Muertos. You can read more about the ins and outs of the celebrations and the culture of passion plays on Go Mexico.

But the most fun part about Easter in Mexico is the ritual explosion of Judas effigies. It takes place on Holy Saturday and is supposed to represent revenge for the betrayal of Jesus. Apparently the ritual was banned in Guadalajara after a few people died. Just have a look at the video of a witch being blown up below to get a flavour!

Semana Santa is also a riotously vibrant time for Mexican food. For wonderful stories about ice cream made from the ice from Mount Popocatépetl as well as recipes for the likes of Horchata, Agua de Chia and Pambazos head over to this article on Mexconnect by Karen Hursh Graber.

Further Semana Santa reading:

Mexconnect articles about Semana Santa
Go Mexico
Semana Santa photos on Flickr
Semana Santa Celebrations in Oaxaca

The British Museum opens the doors on September 24th for its final exhibition in the series on great leaders with an exhibition on Moctezuma the Aztec Ruler. For more information on the exhibition check out OLA London coming out in October with an interview between Ignacio Duran (cultural minister for Mexico in UK) and Colin McEwan (the curator).

Wahaca is really excited to be part of it with Tommi (our Executive chef) holding a demonstration and introduction to Mexican cooking, as well as a discussion with Fay Maschler of the Evening Standard. 

For more information on the talk on Mexican food with Tommi and Fay Maschler click here  and for Tommi’s demonstration and introduction to Mexican food on the 28th November click here.

Wahaca customers also get a £2 discount off their tickets – pick up a card in one of our restaurants which will explain how to redeem this (subject to availability).

Tickets are on sale – visit the British Museum’s website at www.britishmuseum.org or call the ticket line  on +44 (0)20 7323 8181.

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Stay tuned for updates about how Wahaca was conceived and continues to evolve. Frequently our team head over to Mexico to see family and explore new ideas. We will post the stories here.

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