Holy Week, or Semana Santa in Spanish, marks one of the most significant celebrations in Spain’s cultural and religious calendar. From the ancient cobblestone streets of inland villages to the sunny coastal towns of the Costa Blanca, Spain comes alive during this special time with processions, ceremonies, and traditions that date back centuries. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a visitor experiencing your first Easter in Spain, this week offers a unique glimpse into Spanish culture, faith, and community.
The Journey Begins: Palm Sunday
Holy Week officially begins with Palm Sunday, commemorating Jesus’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Throughout Spain, churches distribute blessed palm and olive branches, while families join processions that fill the streets with a sea of waving palms. Click here to see our earlier blog dedicated to Palm Sunday in Spain.
Holy Thursday: The Last Supper and Vigils
Holy Thursday (Jueves Santo) commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples and the institution of the Eucharist. In Spain, this day carries profound significance and unique traditions.
Many Spanish towns observe “La Hora Santa” (The Holy Hour), where churches remain open late into the night for prayer and reflection. One distinctive Spanish tradition is “Los Siete Templos” (The Seven Temples), where people visit seven different churches in one evening, symbolizing Jesus’s journey on the night he was betrayed.
Along the Costa Blanca, this day features solemn foot-washing ceremonies in churches, recreating Jesus’s humble act of washing his disciples’ feet. Many local municipalities also hold evening processions with illuminated floats depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ. In towns like Alicante and Torrevieja, these processions draw large crowds of both locals and visitors.
Good Friday: Solemn Processions and Remembrance
Good Friday (Viernes Santo) is perhaps the most visually striking day of Holy Week in Spain. This day commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus and is marked by elaborate processions featuring pasos (floats) carried through the streets by costaleros (bearers), often accompanying life-sized figures of Jesus and the Virgin Mary.
In many Costa Blanca communities, these processions include the participation of nazarenos (penitents) wearing distinctive pointed hoods and robes. The atmosphere is one of reverent solemnity, with mournful music from brass bands and the rhythmic march of the bearers creating an unforgettable sensory experience.
Notable Good Friday processions take place in cities like Orihuela, which has been designated as an International Tourist Interest celebration. Here, the “Procession of Silence” winds through darkened streets, illuminated only by candles, creating a deeply moving experience even for non-religious observers.
Easter Sunday: Joy and Celebration
Easter Sunday (Domingo de Resurrección) transforms Spain’s sombre mood into jubilant celebration. The day begins early in many towns with the “Encuentro” (Encounter), where statues of the risen Christ and the Virgin Mary are brought together in the main square, often accompanied by the removal of her black mourning veil to symbolize joy replacing grief.
Spanish families typically gather for a festive lunch on Easter Sunday, featuring traditional dishes like cordero asado (roasted lamb) and special seasonal desserts. This is a time of reunion, celebration, and the breaking of Lenten fasts.
For English-speaking residents and visitors on the Costa Blanca, sunrise services are often held on beaches or scenic lookouts, offering a beautiful setting to celebrate the resurrection. These services, combining spiritual meaning with natural beauty, have become increasingly popular among both locals and tourists seeking a meaningful Easter experience.
The Flavours of Spanish Easter
No discussion of Easter in Spain would be complete without mentioning the delicious traditional foods that mark this season. Throughout Holy Week, bakeries and confectioneries display special treats that have been part of Easter celebrations for generations.
Torrijas, Spain’s answer to French toast, are perhaps the most beloved Easter dessert. Bread slices soaked in milk and honey, then fried and dusted with cinnamon and sugar, create a simple yet indulgent treat that Spanish families have enjoyed for centuries.
Another Easter staple, especially in Catalonia and parts of the Valencia region, is the “mona de Pascua,” a sweet bread adorned with hard-boiled eggs and often shaped into creative forms. Modern versions frequently incorporate chocolate and have become increasingly elaborate, much to the delight of children who receive them as gifts from godparents on Easter Monday.
For those with a taste for savory dishes, Easter in Spain offers “potaje de vigilia,” a hearty chickpea and spinach stew traditionally eaten during Lent, and “hornazo,” a meat pie filled with pork loin, chorizo, and eggs that celebrates the end of Lenten fasting.
Spanish Easter vs. Easter Elsewhere
What makes Easter in Spain unique compared to celebrations in other countries? Perhaps the most striking difference is the emphasis on public processions and community participation. While many Western countries focus primarily on church services and family gatherings, Spanish Easter spills into the streets, becoming a community-wide experience that blends solemn religious observance with cultural celebration.
The visual aspects of Spanish Holy Week—the elaborate floats, the traditional costumes, the atmospheric night processions—create a theatrical quality that powerfully communicates the Easter story even to those unfamiliar with its religious significance. This sensory approach to faith, engaging sight, sound, taste, and even smell (through the omnipresent incense), offers a multi-dimensional experience that many visitors find deeply moving.
Experiencing Holy Week as an Expat or Visitor
For those visiting or living in Spain who aren’t familiar with these traditions, Holy Week offers a fascinating window into Spanish culture. Here are some tips for experiencing Semana Santa on the Costa Blanca:
- Research procession routes and times. Most tourist offices and town halls publish schedules of Holy Week events. The most impressive processions typically occur Thursday and Friday evenings.
- Dress appropriately. While you don’t need formal attire, modest clothing is appreciated when attending religious events, especially inside churches.
- Be prepared for crowds. The most famous processions attract large numbers, so arrive early for the best viewing spots.
- Respect the solemnity. During processions, maintain a respectful attitude. Photography is usually permitted, but flash photography may be restricted during certain moments.
- Explore smaller towns. While larger cities have more elaborate celebrations, smaller towns often offer more intimate experiences where you can appreciate the traditions up close.
For English speakers, the Costa Blanca English Church offers services throughout Holy Week that combine meaningful worship with explanations of both universal Christian traditions and unique Spanish customs, helping newcomers understand the rich tapestry of Easter celebrations in their adopted home.
A Time of Renewal and Community
At its heart, Easter represents renewal, hope, and new beginnings—themes that resonate across cultures and beliefs. In Spain, these universal themes find expression through centuries-old traditions that continue to evolve while maintaining their core significance.
Whether you participate in the full schedule of Holy Week events, attend a sunrise service on Easter morning, or simply enjoy traditional foods with friends, Easter in Spain offers something meaningful for everyone. The blend of profound spirituality, cultural heritage, community celebration, and seasonal renewal creates an experience that touches hearts regardless of background.
This Holy Week, consider exploring some of these traditions in your local community. Witness a procession, taste a traditional Easter treat, or join others in celebration. In doing so, you’ll not only experience an important aspect of Spanish culture but also connect with timeless themes that have brought communities together for generations.