In the days before the Holy Week advertisements and promotions of various kinds were published. Newspapers, television, radio, and the web brought us deals on excursions, hotels, resorts, tents, swimwear, body lotions, credit card discounts, and a wide range of other enticing deals. Despite this diversity, we were unable to observe advertisements for objects such as candles and mantillas, more properly associated with the essence of what this week means.
In a past that is becoming more remote every day, these days were of recollection and sorrow, of mourning for the sacrifice of the Savior. It was appropriate to speak softly, avoid activities that were not essential, be frugal in meals, attend churches, help those in need and, of course, pray as a family. Radio stations suspended their programs or broadcast “sacred” music. The shops closed. The television showed movies on biblical themes. And life revolved around religious events.
From an economic angle, the effects were equivalent to a curfew combined with martial law. The GDP generated in that period fell sharply compared to the weekly average. Only when Sunday arrived, the resurrection having already occurred, did activities begin to return to normal. Obviously, at that time there was no current concern with GDP, IMAE and other indicators.
That things have changed, it goes without saying. The change could be attributed to the influence of economic interests, dedicated to the pursuit of profit and the accumulation of material wealth, and totally devoid of spiritual ties. But that explanation would be too simplistic, and would assume that business had the ability to transform the beliefs and habits of the population, which is somewhat exaggerated. A set of concurrent factors seems to have acted.
