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Lesson Transcript

Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class - Holidays in Brazil Series at PortuguesePod101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind holidays and observances in Brazil. I’m Becky, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 13 Good Friday or in Portuguese Sexta-feira Santa.
The Catholic religious tradition of “Holy Week” or Semana Santa is very important in Brazil. However, only Good Friday is a national holiday.
In this lesson, we’ll learn how Good Friday is celebrated in Brazil.
Now, before we get into more detail, I've got a question for you-
On Good Friday, it is forbidden to eat meat. So, what is the most popular food eaten at this time?
If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later, so keep listening!
Holy Week commemorates the last earthly acts of Jesus Christ – his passion, death, and resurrection. It starts on Palm Sunday and ends on “Easter Sunday” or Domingo de Páscoa. The sixth day of this week marks “Good Friday” or Sexta-feira Santa.
This day commemorates the trial, crucifixion, death, and burial of Christ. It is a moveable holiday, with dates varying between March 22 and April 25. It is one of the most important holy days in the tradition of the Catholic Church.
During this day, special masses are held and processions take place. There are also many traditions associated with this day. The main one is abstinence from eating red meat. The meat prohibition is symbolic in respect for the sacrifice made by Jesus. In the churches, the “Sacred Path” or Via Sacra liturgy is recited. It is a meditation on the last steps of Christ until His resurrection. The narration has fourteen stages, each featuring a scene from the Passion of Christ, or Paixão de Cristo.
On this day, many people watch plays of the Passion of Christ, recounting his final moments before the crucifixion, and his first moments after the resurrection. In Pernambuco State, you can find the New Jerusalem Theater, the largest outdoor theater in the world, where the audience can interact and experience each moment of the Passion.
In the town of Pirenópolis, the husks of the passionfruit, or maracujá, are used to make lights for the Holy Week processions. This fruit was probably was chosen because it is known as passion-fruit in many other European languages.
Now it's time to answer our quiz question-
On Good Friday, it is customary not to eat meat. So, what is the most popular food eaten at this time?
On Good Friday, a lot of fish is eaten. The most common type of fish used is cod, or bacalhau, eaten with accompaniments such as potatoes and olives. Fried fish balls made from cod are also a favorite.
How was this lesson? Did you learn anything interesting?
Do you celebrate Easter in your country?
Leave your comments on the lesson page at PortuguesePod101.com
And we'll see you in the next lesson!

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