What Happened
Archbishop of Panama José Domingo Ulloa blessed the anda (processional float) of La Última Cena (The Last Supper) on Sunday at the Catedral Basílica Santa María la Antigua. According to the archdiocese announcement, the anda — featuring 12 images — will travel the streets of Casco Antiguo on the upcoming Holy Thursday as part of Semana Santa observances.
Details of the Event
The blessing took place inside the Cathedral Basílica Santa María la Antigua, the principal cathedral in Panama City. Church authorities and parishioners typically gather for such blessings in the days leading up to Holy Week processions, which are central to Catholic commemoration of the Passion of Christ.
Background
Semana Santa processions are a longstanding practice across Panama, with Casco Antiguo — the capital’s historic district — among the most visible settings for public observance. Processions often feature elaborately prepared andas carrying religious images, and they draw local residents as well as visitors who come to follow the rites through the colonial-era streets.
What This Means
The blessing by Archbishop Ulloa formally prepares the anda and its images for public devotion and signals that the procession is ready to proceed as part of Holy Thursday programming. For Casco Antiguo, these events reinforce the neighborhood’s role as a cultural and religious focal point during Holy Week, contributing to both spiritual life and community traditions.
Practical Notes
Authorities and organizers customarily coordinate routes, timings and logistical details for processions, and residents and visitors can expect heightened activity in Casco Antiguo on Holy Thursday. Those planning to attend should follow local parish communications and municipal guidance for schedule and access information.
Looking Ahead
The departure of La Última Cena anda on Holy Thursday will be one of several observances during Semana Santa that underscore the continued importance of public religious expression in Panama City. The blessing by the archbishop is the customary ecclesiastical endorsement that precedes these communal rites.