Hundreds killed during Holy Week

-Contributed by Alison Bowen

Raucous Easter celebrations in Latin America claimed 700 lives during the 10-day Holy Week, according to South Africa’s Independent Online. The numbers reflect a tradition of drinking, driving and fighting in Latin America during the Roman Catholic holiday week.

In Venezuela, 118 people were murdered, despite President Hugo unpopular ban on late-night alcohol sales, meant to curb drunk driving deaths.

El Salvador reported 151 people killed: 73 killed by gunshot; 33 killed in traffic accidents; 25 drowned; and 21 murdered with knives. Civil defense officials also reported 769 people were injured, according to the article.

Included in the region’s casualties were 148 dead in Guatemala, an increase from previous years’ festivities, and 106 dead in Honduras. Fifty-three people died in Columbia in 37 traffic accidents, a stark increase from the 22 people who died last year.

Traffic deaths in Venezuela, however, were cut by 20 percent compared to last year, according to the article.

Meanwhile, Pope Benedict XVI, who will make his first visit to Latin America in May included the region in his April 16 Easter address. He prayed for the region’s spirit to be renewed, living conditions to improve and "the scourge of kidnappings eradicated, and democratic institutions be consolidated ... in a spirit of harmony and solidarity."

Links- Independent Online, International Herald Tribune, CNN

Image- WitNit