During Holy Week in Porto, churches and house balconies are decorated in purple to commemorate the Lord’s Passion. While there are no organized processions, we suggest experiencing a unique Via Crucis (Way of the Cross). If you need our help planning your Holy Week in the north of Portugal, we are here!
Holy Week celebrations in Portugal
The most famous Holy Week celebrations in Portugal take place in Braga. During the Passion of Christ, accommodation in that city is typically fully booked. A great alternative is to stay in Porto and take a train to Braga.
In Porto, there are no public processions during Holy Week, but there are other ways to reflect on the Via Dolorosa (Sorrowful Way). The Clérigos Church, an 18th-century landmark known for its iconic tower, houses a museum with an impressive collection of religious art.
One of the highlights of this collection is the Christus Collection, assembled from the generous donation of António Manuel Cipriano Miranda, a collector passionate about Christian iconography. Through the Clérigos Brotherhood, he enriched Porto’s heritage with an astounding 400 (!) representations of Christ.
It is in this deeply spiritual setting that we can experience our own Via Crucis during Holy Week—a short but intense journey through the before and after of the Way of the Cross.
Holy Week Tour in Porto
Judas’ Kiss
On the right, dressed in orange, Judas kisses Jesus while holding a bag of 30 pieces of silver (the price of betrayal). On the left, Roman soldiers stand ready to arrest Jesus. Below, one of Jesus’ companions strikes a soldier, cutting off his ear.
Though not one of the 14 official Stations of the Cross, this episode is often depicted during Holy Week and is deeply ingrained in local mythology, symbolizing betrayal and treason. Judas “sells” his friend and master for 30 pieces of silver, as described in Mark (14:43-47), Luke (22:47-50), and Matthew (26:47-51):
“While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.”
With this act, Judas Iscariot sets in motion the events that lead to the Passion of Christ. Later, overwhelmed with guilt, he takes matters into his own hands:
“When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. ‘I have sinned,’ he said, ‘for I have betrayed innocent blood.’
‘What is that to us?’ they replied. ‘That’s your responsibility.’
So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.”
Matthew (27:3-5)
The Flagellation of Christ
A striking 18th–19th-century artwork depicts the Flagellation of Christ, a classic Holy Week scene. The imagery includes the Column, the Whip, and the Rope, three of the Instruments of the Passion.
Though the scene has been widely portrayed in art by masters such as Caravaggio and Piero della Francesca, the Gospels refer to it only as “flogging.” Matthew (27:26) describes it in more detail than John (19:1) or Mark (15:15):
“Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.”
Jesus Carries the Cross Before Veronica
In this depiction, Jesus carries the Cross while, at the lower left corner, Veronica holds her veil.
Saint Veronica is honored on Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras), marking the beginning of Lent. According to an 8th-century tradition, she used her veil to wipe Jesus’ face during the Passion, leaving an imprint of the Holy Face on the fabric. Although this scene is traditionally associated with the 6th Station of the Cross, it is not confirmed in the Gospels. However, it gained popularity in the 12th century and was endorsed by many Popes, securing its place in Christian devotion.
Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross
A gilt low-relief from the 17th–18th century depicts the Descent from the Cross, also known as The Deposition of Christ.
This episode, described in John 19:38, corresponds to the 13th Station of the Via Dolorosa:
“Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away.”
In this representation, a soldier receives Jesus’ body as Joseph of Arimathea carefully lowers him, while Mary is comforted by Mary Magdalene.
Joseph of Arimathea became a legendary figure in the 4th century. By the 11th and 12th centuries, he was linked to the Holy Grail, King Arthur, and the founding of the first church in England (Glastonbury). In Spain, he was even believed to have been consecrated as a bishop by Saint James.
Pietà
A stunning 16th or 17th-century Spanish wood carving depicts the Pietà, or Lamentation of Christ, showing Mary holding the body of her Son after the Descent from the Cross.
The Pietà is a recurring theme in Christian art, symbolizing Mary’s sorrow and devotion. This exquisite piece is painted in tempera and gold, reflecting the deep spirituality of Holy Week.
Holy Week Schedule
You can find these remarkable artworks and much more at the Christus Collection, located in the Clérigos Church. Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday and culminates with Easter Sunday. The key events include:
- Maundy Thursday – The Washing of the Feet and the Last Supper
- Good Friday – The Lord’s Passion, commemorating the death of Jesus
Porto offers a deeply meaningful way to experience Holy Week—whether through sacred art, quiet reflection, or the rich traditions that continue to inspire faith. If you’d like a guide to help you experience Holy Week in Porto, consider booking a Porto Beginners Guide Tour!
