Holy Week, which begins from Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday, marks the last week of Lent, during which Christians are called on to fast, pray and give alms to the needy. Holy Week is celebrated by Christians around the world to commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In Spain, Holy Week, or Semana Santa, is the most important religious period of the year. Processions featuring hooded figures are held on the streets of almost every city. Each city has several religious brotherhoods, often dating back to the Middle Ages. The colours of the robes and hoods signify membership of the different brotherhoods.
A penitent waits to take part in the Huerto brotherhood procession in MalagaJorge Guerrero/AFPPenitents of the Siete Palabras brotherhood make their penance during a Holy Week procession in the Andalusian capital of SevilleMarcelo del Pozo/ReutersA penitent takes part in a procession of the El Nazareno brotherhood inside the Mezquita of CordobaJavier Barbancho/ReutersPenitents from the El Calvario brotherhood take part in a Holy Week procession in the Mezquita in CordobaJavier Barbancho/ReutersPenitents hold candles as they take part in the procession of the Los Gitanos brotherhood during Holy Week in MalagaJon Nazca/ReutersA penitent from the El Calvario brotherhood takes part in a Holy Week procession in Cordoba, southern SpainJavier Barbancho/ReutersHooded penitents from the Cristo de los Gitanos brotherhood parade during a procession in GranadaJorge Guerrero/AFPA members of a brotherhood participates in a procession during Holy Week in La Laguna on the Spanish Canary Island of TenerifeDesiree Martin/AFPHooded members of the Los Estudiantes brotherhood hold candles during a procession in SevilleCristina Quicler/AFPA hooded member of the Los Estudiantes brotherhood holds a candle in church during a procession in SevilleCristina Quicler/AFPPenitents take part in the San Gonzalo brotherhood procession in SevilleCristina Quicler/AFPPenitents take part in the San Gonzalo brotherhood procession in SevilleCristina Quicler/AFP
Penance during Holy Week in the Philippines is more rigorous, taking on element of Christ's suffering.
Some penitents bare their backs for flagellation – getting beaten until they bleed by men portraying Roman soldiers.
A man beats a penitent in front of a chapel during a Holy Week flagellation ritual in Angeles city, Pampanga in the PhilippinesLorgina Minguito/Reuters
Romeo Ranoco/ReutersA boy cries while looking at a penitent called a 'Morione' during a parade along the streets of Boac town on Marinduque island in the PhilippinesRomeo Ranoco/ReutersChildren covered with mud and leaves parade along in Boac town on Marinduque island in the Philippines to show devotion to their faithRomeo Ranoco/Reuters
Venezuelans flock to the Basilica of Saint Teresa to venerate Saint Paul the Nazarene as part of Holy Week celebrations.
Wearing purple tunics, the faithful flock to the church in Caracas where the sacred image of Saint Paul the Nazarene heads the annual sunset procession.
Some followers arrive on their knees, barefoot or carrying a cross, thankful to the saint for miracles they credit to his intercession.
A Venezuelan penitent crawls on hands and knees at Santa Teresa's Basilica during Holy Week in CaracasCarlos Garcia Rawlins/ReutersA Venezuelan penitent wearing a crown of thorns attends mass at Santa Teresa's Basilica during Holy Week in CaracasCarlos Garcia Rawlins/ReutersCatholic faithful visit Santa Therese's church in Caracas, Venezuela, during Holy WeekFederico Parra/AFP
In other parts of the world, Catholics staged Passion plays, re-enacting bible stories and telling of Christ's last few hours on Earth before his crucifixion.
The crucifixion itself is commemorated on Good Friday, which this year falls on 3 April 2015. IBTimes UK wishes all Christians a happy Easter.
Actors playing Adam and Eve and the serpent in the Garden of Eden take part in a re-enactment during a Holy Week procession in Luque, ParaguayJorge Adorno/ReutersStudents perform a scene of the Stations of the Cross commemorating Jesus Christ's last hours, during Holy Week celebrations in Luque, ParaguayNorberto Duarte/AFPAn actor portrays Christ during his last hours in a Passion play in Luque, ParaguayNorberto Duarte/AFP
