Holy Week around the world in photos

Apnews - Apr 19th, 2025
Open on Apnews

Throughout the week leading up to Easter, known as Holy Week, Christians worldwide have been actively participating in various ceremonies and reenactments to commemorate the passion of Jesus Christ. Key events include the Way of the Cross processions and Passion Plays in locations such as Rio de Janeiro, Lagos, Jerusalem, and Mexico City. These activities are seen as a deeply spiritual time for believers, with participants often taking on roles to reenact the crucifixion and other significant events from the life of Jesus.

The significance of Holy Week lies not only in its religious importance but also in its ability to bring communities together across diverse cultures. The reenactments and processions serve as a reminder of the shared beliefs that unite Christians globally, emphasizing themes of sacrifice and redemption. This year's celebrations highlight the enduring tradition of Holy Week, as observed in various cultural contexts, ranging from elaborate processions in Seville, Spain, to solemn services in Jerusalem, reflecting the universal nature of these commemorations.

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RATING

7.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a well-rounded overview of Holy Week celebrations around the world, supported by credible sources and visually engaging content. It excels in accuracy and timeliness, offering readers current and relevant information about a significant religious period. However, the article could benefit from increased transparency regarding its methodology and the inclusion of diverse perspectives to enhance balance and public interest. While it effectively captures the essence of these global events, incorporating more personal stories and local insights would deepen its impact and engagement with a broader audience.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story accurately describes the global celebrations of Holy Week, mentioning various locations such as Jerusalem, Brazil, Nigeria, India, Mexico, and the Philippines. These details align with established Christian practices and are supported by photographic evidence from reputable sources like AP. However, the article could benefit from additional verification of specific events, such as the reenactments in Rio de Janeiro and other cities, to ensure precision in reporting. The dates and descriptions of the events are consistent with the traditional Christian calendar, enhancing the story's factual accuracy.

7
Balance

The article primarily focuses on Christian celebrations, which is appropriate given the subject matter. However, it lacks a broader perspective on how these events might be perceived by non-Christian communities or the impact on local cultures and societies. The piece could be more balanced by including viewpoints from participants or observers who may not be directly involved in the celebrations. While the article does well to cover a variety of geographic locations, it could also explore the differences in how Holy Week is celebrated across different Christian denominations.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow that guides the reader through various global events. The language is straightforward and neutral, making the content accessible to a broad audience. However, the repetition of certain phrases and the dense presentation of information could be streamlined to improve readability. Breaking down the content into more digestible sections or using subheadings could enhance comprehension.

9
Source quality

The article relies on high-quality sources, particularly the Associated Press (AP), which is known for its credibility and reliability. The use of AP photos adds a layer of authenticity and visual support to the text. However, the article could improve by including quotes or insights from local participants or religious leaders involved in the events. This would provide a more comprehensive view and enhance the authority of the coverage.

6
Transparency

The article provides a clear depiction of the events but lacks detailed explanations of how the information was gathered or any potential conflicts of interest. There is minimal context about the methodology used to select these specific events or locations. Greater transparency about the selection process and the potential biases of the photographers or reporters involved would enhance the article's credibility.

Sources

  1. https://www.michigansthumb.com/news/article/ap-photos-holy-week-celebrations-around-the-world-20284032.php
  2. https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/ap-photos-holy-week-celebrations-around-the-world-20284032.php
  3. https://wtop.com/national/2025/04/ap-photos-holy-week-celebrations-around-the-world/
  4. https://lasvegassun.com/news/2025/apr/19/ap-photos-holy-week-celebrations-around-the-world/
  5. https://hallow.com/blog/holy-week-schedule/