EducPro proudly participated in the European Forum of Holy Week, held in Medina de Rioseco, Spain, through a delegation of four participants. The international congress, entitled “Easter Wishes – Deseos de Pascua”, brought together representatives from Spain, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Croatia, Poland, Hungary, and Italy to explore the cultural, historical, and social significance of Holy Week traditions across Europe.

The event created a unique platform for dialogue, exchange, and reflection, highlighting the many similarities that unite Easter and Holy Week celebrations throughout different European countries. Through presentations, discussions, and cultural visits, participants had the opportunity to discover both the diversity and the common roots of these longstanding traditions.

The programme began with a presentation of the Holy Week traditions of Medina de Rioseco by journalist and confraternity member José Ángel Gallego. Participants were then introduced to the city’s rich historical and cultural heritage through a presentation by historian Virginia Asensio.

One of the highlights of the forum was the keynote conference delivered by José Luis Alonso Ponga, honorary collaborator of the Chair of Tradition at the University of Valladolid. During his intervention, he described Holy Week as “the most anthropologically dense period of the year,” emphasising the shared cultural and spiritual elements present in celebrations across Spain, Portugal, Italy, and other European countries.

Participants also visited the photographic exhibition “Per Crucem ad Lucem”, which showcased striking images of Holy Week celebrations in Braga (Portugal), Medina de Rioseco, Bercianos de Aliste and Peñafiel (Spain), and Molfetta (Italy). The exhibition offered a visual journey through the traditions, emotions, and heritage associated with Easter celebrations across Europe.

During the forum, each participating country presented its own Easter traditions, revealing remarkable similarities in rituals, values, and community involvement. The programme also included visits to important Holy Week landmarks in Medina de Rioseco, as well as presentations from local associations that highlighted solidarity initiatives, volunteer engagement, and the active participation of young people in confraternity activities.

The final day featured a guided visit along the historic Canal de Castilla, including a boat trip, before participants gathered for the closing session. The forum concluded with the adoption of a joint declaration on “Solidarity in Holy Week”, symbolised by the signing of a common document by all participating delegations.

EducPro’s participation in the European Forum of Holy Week reinforces its commitment to promoting intercultural dialogue, preserving European cultural heritage, and strengthening cooperation between communities across Europe. The event demonstrated how shared traditions can transcend borders, bringing people together through common values of solidarity, culture, identity, and mutual understanding.