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Semana Santa in Ouro Preto, Brazil

By Bonnie Hamre, About.com

The Easter Week celebrations in the magnificent colonial city of Ouro Preto, in Brazil's southeastern state of Minas Gerais, feature some of the country's most spectacular Holy Week processions.

The region is known for the silver and gold mines, and Ouro Preto bloomed in golden splendor due to a tremendous gold and silver rush. There are 13 splendid Baroque churches in the city, dominated by the cathedral of Matriz de Nossa Senhora.

The Holy Week celebrations include processions through the cobblestoned streets, masses and a poignant reenactment of the removal of Christ's body from the Cross on Good Friday.

To attend the celebrations, check flights from your area. You can also browse for hotels and car rentals.

Consult this list of hotels and pousadas for availability, rates, amenities, location, activities and other specific information to enhance your visit to Ouro Preto.

Read about Semana Santa Celebrations:

  • South America - Holy Week
  • Ayacucho, Cuzco, Huaraz and Tarma, Peru
  • Chile, Cuasimodo Festivities
  • Colombia and Venezuela

    If you've participated in Semana Santa celebrations anywhere in South America, please share your experiences via the South America for Visitors Forum.

  • Bonnie Hamre
    Guide since 1997

    Bonnie Hamre
    South America Travel Guide

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