Despite the fact that Uruguay is the least Christian country in South America, I am amazed at the increase in piety whenever there is a Christian holiday to be celebrated. Its seems that even communists and atheists are converted, at least for the duration of the holiday. To show this piety, the majority of Uruguayans who are able gather in those parts of the country nearest to Jerusalem where the holy week events first place. This means that they force themselves to do penance in the hot sun on the beaches of Punta del Este and La Paloma.
Since I am Orthodox, my holy week comes a bit later and will probably be commemorated in a slightly different way.
Holy week, which is also known as Tourism Week (because everyone in the country tries to be a tourist this week), and by three or four other names I cannot remember, is the Uruguayan equivalent of US Labor Day weekend–it is the summer’s last hurrah and everyone tries to take a four-day holiday, if not the entire week. For the last time until Christmas Montevideo will become a virtual ghost town. Stores and restaurants will be closed and services will be hard to get.
This week is also only the second time since its inception in which our Thursday night Open House gatherings will be canceled. We will resume a week later on March 27.
To those of you Commemorating the Passion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, I extend my prayers and best wishes.
