How Holy Week is celebrated around the world

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

Many processions mark the beginnings of Easter.

Catholics carry a statue of Jesus in a procession during 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 Injurias brotherhood take part in the Silence Procession during Holy Week in Zamora, Spain.

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

A scene from the Bible often re-enacted is the Last Supper, as it is here in Luque city, Paraguay. Jesus predicts that one of his apostles will betray him, and that Peter will deny knowing him to escape persecution.

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

The Pope delivers his speech for the way of the cross.

Via Crucis or the Way of the Cross procession 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 the interactive street theatre performance of "Il-Mixja" (the Way), one of many Holy Week activities in the country.