This is a big day for much of the world; it marks Passover, the commemorative day on which God convinced the Egyptian Pharaoh to release the people of Israel from slavery. In the Christian world it is Palm Sunday, celebrating Jesus Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem and the beginning of a week that ends with Jesus’ execution and ultimate resurrection from death.
Holy Week, or Semana Santa in Spanish, also traditionally marks one of the major retail events on the Rio Grande Valley economic calendar. Some merchants compare their normal revenue during the week to Spring Break and the Christmas season.
For many Mexican residents, Semana Santa is a work holiday, and thousands normally come to spend their vacation in the Valley, enjoying the beach and spending heavily at local stores and entertainment venues.
Of course, this isn’t a normal year.
Like last year, Semana Santa 2021 is clouded by the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike a year ago, when infections and deaths were increasing daily, things are looking better. Casualties are falling as more people are being vaccinated against the virus, and they have continued to decline after Gov. Greg Abbott lifted all state restrictions on public interactions and travel. The threat remains, however, and many local restrictions remain; many businesses continue to require that patrons wear facemasks and practice other safety and hygienic measures.
Federal travel restrictions remain in effect, both here at in Mexico, including the border ports of entry. This brings uncertainty to the number of Mexican nationals will come to the Valley this week.
Even without large numbers of Semana Santa visitors some businesses might enjoy brisk business, as many local residents are just starting to leave home more after state restrictions have been lifted — or after they have been vaccinated against the virus.
A strong flow of customers would be great news for Valley business, especially since they now can fill their establishments to capacity. Of course, we must count on each business owner and manager to continue looking for the safety of the public, as well as themselves and their employees, and maintain whatever policies best serve their goals.
People who patronize those businesses, both local residents and Semana Santa vacationers, also need to look out for their own safety while respecting the rights of others. Those who have different views on how much protection is necessary should have no reason to impose their preferences on others. If someone isn’t wearing a mask and the business isn’t requiring it, put your own safety first: There’s no need to make a scene, just move away from the person — even if it means leaving the establishment.
And of course, the same applies to those who attend the religious celebrations that are at the heart of Semana Santa.
Business still might not be as good as it was before the pandemic swept across the globe, including the Valley, but it is hoped that it can provide enough revenue to enable businesses to stay afloat until the pandemic has fully subsided and life can return to normal. Continued precautions this week can surely help people enjoy the week and still keep COVID-19 numbers falling.
