Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday, is a significant religious holiday in Honduras. It is an important event in the Christian calendar celebrated among the majority Christian population of the country, as Honduras is predominantly Catholic. This day, which falls on the Thursday before Easter, commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with His disciples, marking the institution of the Eucharist - the holy communion.
The celebration begins on the evening of Maundy Thursday with a solemn mass in the churches around the country, marking the initiation of the Triduum - the most sacred period in the church's liturgical year. It's customary in Honduras for believers to make visits to seven different churches on this day, in memory the journey Jesus made that night after the Last Supper. This act is known as 'Visita Iglesia'. The churches beautifully decorate their altars with white flowers signifying purity and peace.
Aside from the religious aspect, Maundy Thursday in Honduras is considered a public holiday, hence most people get a day off from work and school. This time of year often sees an influx of visitors and returning Honduran expats, making it an essential period for national travel and festivities. Many Hondurans take advantage of this long weekend to tour around their country or spend time with their families. Traditional foods are also a major part of the celebrations; patrons usually prepare and consume fish-based dishes respecting the practice of abstaining from meat.