Maundy Thursday in Costa Rica ― Date, History, and Details

Maundy Thursday in Costa Rica

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History of Maundy Thursday in Costa Rica and How to Celebrate/ Observe It

Maundy Thursday is a day of religious observance in Costa Rica. It is the day when Christians remember the Last Supper of Jesus Christ and his disciples. The name “Maundy” comes from the Latin word for “commandment,” and “Thursday” comes from the Old English word for “day of Thor,” the Norse god of thunder. Maundy Thursday is also known as Holy Thursday, Covenant Thursday, and Great and Holy Thursday.

On Maundy Thursday, Christians attend church services and may receive communion. In Costa Rica, many people also take part in a special procession called the Via Crucis, or Way of the Cross. This procession involves carrying a cross through the streets while praying the stations of the cross. The Via Crucis usually takes place on Good Friday, but in some years it is held on Maundy Thursday instead.

After the church service and Via Crucis, many Costa Ricans head to the beach for a day of relaxation and fun. This is because the following day, Good Friday, is a day of mourning and reflection.