Semana Santa
April 13 - April 20
Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is a truly special time in San Felipe. This town may be known for its sun and sea, but at heart, it’s a place rooted in faith and tradition. You see, San Felipe began as a mission – a humble place where faith and community came together. And even though it’s grown over the years, that sense of reverence still runs deep, especially during Semana Santa.
During Holy Week, there’s a quiet beauty that settles over the town. Churches hold special services, drawing in people from all around to reflect, pray, and honor the meaning of the season. Families gather, many attending Mass together, dressed in their Sunday best, the children quieter than usual as they sense the importance of the occasion. The old traditions are honored here, and you feel a reverence that’s woven into the fabric of the town, as natural as the tide coming in.
But Semana Santa is also a time of joy, especially for the little ones. Schools are out for the week, and children fill the streets and beaches, laughing and playing in the sun. Families set up umbrellas and blankets along the shore, with coolers full of snacks and drinks for a day of relaxation by the Sea of Cortez. Kids run back and forth, collecting shells, splashing in the gentle waves, and building sandcastles with an enthusiasm that only vacation can bring. It’s a heartwarming sight, seeing families come together, enjoying the simple pleasures of sun, sand, and each other’s company.
And, as evening falls, the town slows down again. You’ll see families heading back home, tired and sun-kissed, but with smiles and stories to share. Some may stop by a small taquería on the way, grabbing a meal to end the day, while others return home to gather around the table. The rhythm of Semana Santa is gentle, a balance of faith and family, of tradition and joy, that feels like a deep, steady heartbeat.
If you ever visit San Felipe during Semana Santa, take a moment to feel that balance. Spend a little time at the beach, yes, but also step into one of the churches, listen to the prayers and songs that have been shared for generations.
