How Holy Week is celebrated around the world

Holy Week began on March 13 this year, with Palm Sunday beginning the spiritual journeytowardGood Friday and Easter, when Christians celebratethe resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Many processions mark the beginnings of Easter.

Catholics carry a statue of Jesus in a processionduring Holy Week in Cot de Cartago, Costa Rica. People tie ribbons to the statue to symbolize promises they make to Jesus.

Meanwhile penitents of the Cristo de las Injuriasbrotherhood take part in theSilence Processionduring Holy Week in Zamora, Spain.

Holy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper Jesus has with his disciples.

A scene from the Bible often re-enactedis the Last Supper, as it is here in Luque city, Paraguay.Jesus predicts that oneof his apostles willbetray him, and that Peterwill deny knowing himto escape persecution.

The meal they eat is for the Jewish festival ofPassover, although it takes new importance in Christianity for establishing the traditionof the eucharist.

The Pope delivers his speech forthe way of the cross.

Via Crucisor the Way of the Crossprocession at the ancient amphitheatre is a Rome tradition that draws a large crowd of faithful, including many of the pilgrims who flock to the Italian capital for Holy Week ceremonies before Easter Sunday.

On Good Friday, Jesus is crucified.

In Malta, people take part in theinteractive streettheatre performance of"Il-Mixja" (the Way), one of manyHoly Week activities in the country.