Semana Santa- What To Expect And Tips

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Submitted by Manzanillo Blogger on Monday, 6 April 20098 Comments

The next couple weeks are going to be pretty crazy in Manzanillo. Semana Santa literally means holy week. It actually ends up being about two weeks of celebration and vacation for Mexicans. They do what any inward bound countrymen would- flock to the beaches en masse. Our usually cozy and laid back Manzanillo looks like a different city this time of year. In fact, for the tourist industry, Semana Santa is the single busiest event in Manzanillo. It is the equivalent to Black Friday for the retail industry. Many companies make it or break it for the year based on their business during these two weeks.

The Catholic Semana Santa ends the 40-day Lent period. It also includes Good Friday and Easter Sunday (April 6-12). And for good measure about another week of vacation for Mexicans. This is a huge income event for Manzanillo. Many Manzanillo residents take up extra work this time of year, because it really pays off. Hotels are virtually 100% booked. Stores are packed and makeshift businesses pop up everywhere. It gets crowded.

When I say crowded….

I mean like Miami’s beaches on Labor Day. The stretch of Miramar beach will be filled to capacity. Any open stretch of land turns into a makeshift camping ground. La Boquita turns into one giant mass of humanity, churning and partying at the restaurants. The beach is so crowded the waves can't even reach the shore. Think we are exagerating? See for yourself... if you dare. Grocery stores get packed and subsequently sold out. Parades spring up seemingly at random on the boulevards and side streets. Restaurants are brimming with people and lines are enormous. It is Spring Break Manzanillo style. Here are some tips to help you navigate the madness:

Forget parking. Take a taxi, they work overtime this time of year and there are plenty of them.
Expect noise. Lots of it. Don’t worry it will be more quiet in two weeks, and then you will be able to get some sleep.
Keep in mind that because people from all over the country are here, its packed, and police are often overwhelmed, be careful and aware of your surroundings. If you live on the beach, lock up when you leave or at night time.
One sign that always cracked us up was for Sol beer. They had a huge billboard with bikini clad girls holding their beer and advertising “the official drink of holy week.” Oh the irony. On a serious note however, drinking and driving becomes a major problem during this time. Last year the city actually took horribly wrecked cars and put them on display by major roads to remind people of the consequences. Be careful driving.
And finally, you might want to avoid trips inland if they coincide with the returning tourists and the resulting highway traffic.

Other then that have fun and enjoy this unique time of year. You better believe the rest of Mexico will. Or stay indoors and hide until the city becomes recognizable again, that’s what we do.

8 Comments »

Stan said:

Instead of hiding out you could take the bus or walk and enjoy the locals (nationals) enjoying their country. You don’t have to drive.

- 7 April 2009 at 8:44 pm

Javier said:

I loved the last line.

And, by the way.. im not partying, i’m part of those mexicans that work because this time really pays.

- 8 April 2009 at 10:18 pm

Mexicomaiden said:

I kind of like this week. It’s fun to see the different types of people. The main thing that irritates me is the all the quads! They are loud and evil…

- 9 April 2009 at 7:43 am

El zorro platiado said:

I showed my wife how to take the bus this week. First time for her in five years! She said, “You may have just created a monster!”

I’ve been in Naples, FL for Spring Break (as an oldster… not a student!) and it was just as loud and rowdy as here. No driving with open containers, but definitely an on-going party.

Perhaps the observations we make are partially due to coming from an area where it is too cold to have a Spring Break like this. So it is very new and can be disconcerting.

However, associating extreme partying and raucous behavior with the word “santa” does go against my grain. I tend to call this period “Semana [no muy] Santa” and most of my local friends agree.

At least the Spring Break I observed in FL was truly “Spring Break” and not associated with anything spiritual or holy.

[Please don't flame or spam me. Just a personal opinion, which I am entitled to. I'm not forcing my personal opinion on anyone else.]

- 9 April 2009 at 6:37 pm

Stan said:

I won’t flame you for your opinion, even though I don’t understand non citizens questioning how citizens use their country or what they call their vacation. But I am really curious how one can be here for 5 years without taking a bus?

- 9 April 2009 at 9:13 pm

Amy Lynne Adams said:

I never knew about Semana Santa until I read your blog. I can see why you have an award winning blog, congradulations! It is set up in an interesting way and very informative. I have only been to the East part of Mexico visiting Cancun and La Isla Mujeres. I love what I have seen of Mexico so far and would love to do more exploring. You can check out my blog at amylynneadams.blogspot.com

- 15 April 2009 at 9:47 am

Manzanillo Blogger (author) said:

Thanks for your kind words. Nice blog by the way. You’ve traveled quite a bit!

- 19 April 2009 at 4:19 pm

Alex said:

I had never heard about Semana Santa either, but it sounds like an interesting event. I think it would be a very unique experience to witness all the hubbub! That’s crazy that people many companies depend on this event for their income! Very interesting article, your site is awesome and I am looking forward to reading more.

Alex
PB Mexico Travel Blog

- 13 May 2009 at 12:01 pm