Maundy Thursday in Colombia
Maundy Thursday is a public holiday in Colombia, where workers in both the public and private sectors have a right to paid rest. Churches mark the day with services and customs including the seven-church visit, while Popayán is known for its historic Holy Week processions.[1][2][3]
A holiday protected by law
Colombia’s Law 51 of 1983 lists both Maundy Thursday and Good Friday as religious holidays with paid rest for public- and private-sector workers. Its Monday-transfer rule applies to a specified list of other holidays; Maundy Thursday is not on that list, so it remains on Thursday.[1]
The law also provides for holiday-related worker entitlements when a person works on a holiday. It establishes a right to paid rest, but does not set opening hours for banks, shops or individual public services.[1]
Religious meaning and observances
In Catholic observance, Maundy Thursday recalls Jesus’ Last Supper with his apostles, the washing of their feet, and the institution of the Eucharist and priesthood. The Archdiocese of Bogotá describes a morning blessing of holy oils at diocesan cathedrals and an evening Mass that may include the washing of feet.[2]
After the evening Mass, churches may prepare a decorated place of exposition, called a monument, for Eucharistic adoration. The Archdiocese describes the visit to seven churches as a custom in which people pray at each temple; it connects the practice with accompanying Jesus in prayer and recalling the events of the night of his arrest.[2]
Popayán’s Holy Week processions
Holy Week in Popayán gives the observance a distinct local expression. UNESCO identifies the city’s processions as a tradition practised since the colonial period and inscribed on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009.[3]
The city’s tourism office describes five nighttime processions through the historic centre, featuring religious floats and images, with participants carrying lit candles. It traces the tradition to the sixteenth century and presents it as a major local religious and cultural celebration.[4]
Planning around the public holiday
Because the day is a statutory paid-rest holiday, government offices may adjust their hours. Businesses may set their own hours, so residents and visitors should check directly with the place they plan to visit. Check with transport operators for schedules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
Is Maundy Thursday a public holiday in Colombia?
Yes. Law 51 of 1983 grants public- and private-sector workers a right to paid rest on Maundy Thursday.[1]
Does the holiday move to Monday?
No. The law’s Monday-transfer list does not include Maundy Thursday, so the holiday stays on Thursday.[1]
What happens during the seven-church visit?
People visit seven churches and say a brief prayer at each. The Archdiocese of Bogotá describes the custom as a way to give thanks and accompany Jesus in prayer.[2]
Are banks and shops closed?
The holiday law provides workers with paid rest but does not specify opening hours for banks or shops. Check with each business or service for its holiday schedule.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Maundy Thursday in Colombia:
- Ley 51 de 1983 - Gestor Normativo- Departamento Administrativo de la Función Pública
- PROGRAMACIÓN DE SEMANA SANTA 2023- Arquidiócesis de Bogotá
- Holy Week processions in Popayán- UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
- Reconocimientos UNESCO- Alcaldía de Popayán