Portugal hosts the Presentation of the III Congress of the European Network of Holy Week and Easter Celebrations
- Titled ‘Living Identities,’ it will reflect on the value of authenticity and the challenges of heritage preservation and tourism development of the celebrations.
- It will be held in the Portuguese cities of Ovar and Santa Maria da Feira from October 8 to 10, 2025.
- The event includes five conferences and round tables, in addition to the presentation of research papers.
- The organization is supported by the Commission of Lenten Solemnities of Ovar and the Holy Week Commission of Santa Maria da Feira.
March 12, 2025.- The European Network of Holy Week and Easter Celebrations has presented today in Portugal the third edition of the European Congress of Holy Week and Easter, which will take place from October 8 to 10 in the Portuguese cities of Ovar and Santa Maria da Feira. Under the title ‘Living Identities,’ the congress will reflect on the value of authenticity and the challenges of heritage preservation and tourism development of these celebrations.
Organized by the European Network itself in collaboration with the Commission of Lenten Solemnities of Ovar and the Holy Week Commission of Santa Maria da Feira, the event will feature conferences and round tables led by experts from different countries. The registration fee is €40.
During the presentation, the president of the European Network of Holy Week and Easter Celebrations, Sergio Velasco, stated that “its development aims to address Holy Week and Easter in Europe from a global perspective, highlighting shared historical and ritual elements, as well as examining the contemporary relevance of these celebrations in Europe. Identity permeates these celebrations, the people, and the places where they are held, evolving while remaining significant”.
He also emphasized that “the holding of this Congress is yet another example that the network we have been building since 2019 is working. We continue to support projects that, in addition to promoting tourism and safeguarding this intangible heritage, are also linked to scientific research. As proof, we are now close to 40 member municipalities across Croatia, Slovenia, Malta, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Serbia”.
The event, held at the Castle of Santa Maria da Feira, was attended by the president of the Scientific Committee of the European Network, Rui Ferreira, along with the mayor of Santa Maria da Feira, Amadeu Albergaria, and the mayor of Ovar, Domingos Silva.
Exploring Living Identities
After reflecting on ‘Holy Week as Common Heritage’ in the first Congress and the transition ‘From Local to Universal’ in the second, this third Congress aims to explore ‘Living Identities’ as expressed through Holy Week and Easter traditions. The goal is to reflect on the value of authenticity and the challenges these celebrations face in the processes of heritage preservation and tourism development.
The congress aims to explain the concept of ‘identity’ and understand how it is reflected in communities and their practices, emphasize the importance of interdisciplinarity in studying these celebrations and the challenges of heritage recognition, explore the diverse expressions of Holy Week and Easter practices as part of a continuous Exchange, and discuss and reflect on the challenges that tourism poses for Holy Week and Easter celebrations today.
The event will feature five conferences and round tables. Additionally, there will be a panel for the presentation of research papers on the following themes: ‘Ritual and Symbolism of the Passion’, ‘Religion and Culture in Public Space’, and ‘City, Beliefs, and People’. Document submissions will be accepted from March 12 to June 30 through the congress website.
The Congress aims to bring together specialists from different nationalities to contribute to the exchange and scientific collaboration on a heritage element that remains relevant today and annually attracts a vast number of faithful, tourists, enthusiasts, and curious visitors.
More information
More about the European Network
Founded in 2019, the European Network of Holy Week and Easter Celebrations works to promote traditions associated with Holy Week and Easter, thereby preserving their rich heritage. Its primary goal is to contribute to a better understanding of the values of this extensive legacy, which remains alive in many parts of Europe. This legacy combines notable local differences with a shared tradition that spans many regions.
