.svg)
Get ready to immerse yourself in one of Spain's most profound and beautiful traditions, Semana Santa, which kicks off on March 24. Known as Holy Week, Semana Santa allows you to step back in time and experience the depth of Spain's religious heritage. This centuries-old tradition, dating back to the Middle Ages, brings the passion and drama of the Easter story vividly to life. For a whole week, breathtaking processions fill the streets of practically every city and town in Spain, a truly spectacle of faith and artistry you cannot miss! So, join in this unique and spiritual celebration. Allow the rhythm of the marchas, or procession music, to transport you on this incredible journey of faith and tradition. It's time to unleash your spirit in the awe-inspiring Semana Santa!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Middle Ages</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Origins of Semana Santa</div><div class='timeline-text'>Semana Santa processions began in the Middle Ages when churches used them to educate followers about the story of the Passion of Christ.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1480s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Catholic Fraternities Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>Catholic fraternities, who play a prominent role in the processions, were established, formalizing the processions we see today.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>16th Century</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Spain's Golden Age Impact</div><div class='timeline-text'>During Spain's Golden Age, religious artwork and craft used in the processions further evolved, adding to the richness of the Semana Santa traditions.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1936-1939</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Civil War Interruption</div><div class='timeline-text'>Spain's Civil War put a stop to the processions. Semana Santa traditions resumed following the end of the war.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Increased International Interest</div><div class='timeline-text'>From the 1980s, international interest in Spain's Semana Santa grew, with many tourists flocking to experience the processions every year.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2011</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>UNESCO Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>Some Semana Santa processions, like those in Seville, were recognized by UNESCO as a cultural heritage of humanity.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Attend a processional</h3><p class='facts-text'>During the week of Semana Santa, towns and cities across Spain have religious processions. The week begins with Palm Sunday and culminates on Easter Sunday. Each day, huge floats bearing religious icons are carried through the streets, accompanied by locals dressed in traditional Easter attire. These processions can last all night, and are a must-see spectacle.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Try traditional foods</h3><p class='facts-text'>During Holy Week in Spain, it's traditional to indulge in a plethora of unique foods. You can try dishes such as Torrijas (a type of Spanish French toast), Potaje de Vigilia (a chickpea and spinach stew traditionally eaten on Good Friday), and Hornazo (a meat-filled pastry).</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Visit historic Churches</h3><p class='facts-text'>Many churches in Spain open their doors during Semana Santa for visitors to view their sacred art and stunning interiors. This is also an opportune time to witness the striking altar displays made specifically for Holy Week.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Experience the night processions</h3><p class='facts-text'>Perhaps the most impressive of all Holy Week celebrations are the night processions. In Seville, the processions of 'La Madrugá' take place in the early hours of Good Friday until dawn, an unforgettable spectacle filled with devotion and beauty.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Participate in "Los Picaos"</h3><p class='facts-text'>In the town of San Vicente de la Sonsierra in La Rioja, you can witness the ancestral tradition of "Los Picaos", a unique blood penance practiced only here. Volunteers subject themselves to be lightly whipped, as a demonstration of faith and penance. Remember, participation is completely voluntary and most often, visitors simply observe.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Witness mesmerizing religious processions</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>There's nothing quite like the processions of Semana Santa in Spain. The elaborate floats, costumes, and the atmosphere of reverence create a spectacle that is deeply moving and visually stunning. It's a unique chance to not only witness, but also become part of a centuries-old tradition.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Delight in special Easter Foods</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The holiday of Semana Santa is not just about the religious observance but also about enjoying the traditional foods of Spain. From torrijas, a type of Spanish French toast, to Potaje de Vigilia, a chickpea and spinach stew traditionally eaten on Good Friday - this is a food lover's dream come true!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Experience Unique Local Traditions</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The unique local traditions that come with Semana Santa offer you a genuine insight into Spain's culture and history. Whether it's the night processions of 'La Madrugá' in Seville or the penance practice of "Los Picaos" in La Rioja - each with its own significance and charm, these experiences would truly be memorable.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Seville Has the Most Semana Santa Confraternities</h3><p class='facts-content'>Seville hosts 60 of the more than a thousand brotherhoods in Spain. Each fraternity is responsible for one or more processions during the week, leading to over a hundred processions in Seville alone.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Costaleros Carry More Than Just Weight</h3><p class='facts-content'>The costaleros, men who carry the heavy floats of religious icons during processions, together carry between 2000 to 5000 lbs. However, it's not just about physical strength - being a costalero also requires spiritual devotion.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Tradition Of Silence During Some Processions</h3><p class='facts-content'>Certain processions, known as "processions of silence," move through the streets in complete noiselessness. This creates an eerie but touching atmosphere as the crowd respects the silence in honor of the Passion of Christ.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Semana Santa Fraternities Do Social Work As Well</h3><p class='facts-content'>Apart from leading the processions during Holy Week, these fraternities are also known for their social work, helping the poor and needy throughout the year.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Oldest Semana Santa Brotherhood Dates Back to the 13th Century</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Brotherhood of El Silencio in Seville, founded in 1340, is believed to be the oldest Semana Santa brotherhood in Spain. It's still active and leads one of the most popular processions every Maundy Thursday.</p></div></div>
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
