Easter in Spain goes far beyond chocolate eggs and bunnies. It's a solemn yet vibrant commemoration of the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, celebrated with the grandeur and dedication characteristic of Spanish traditions.
If you're considering spending your Easter in Spain, get ready to experience unique cultural practices, plenty of parades and delicious festive treats.
Is Semana Santa the same as Easter?
Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is an important part of the Easter celebrations in Spain, but it is not the same as Easter itself. Semana Santa refers specifically to the week leading up to Easter Sunday.
How do they celebrate Easter in Spain?
The typical way to celebrate Easter in Spain is with elaborate processions. Participants carry massive sculptures depicting scenes from the life of Christ and wear traditional robes and hoods. However, each region has its own distinctive customs, making Semana Santa one of the most extraordinary festivals in the Spanish calendar.
Which city in Spain is famous for its Easter celebrations?
Seville is perhaps the most famous city in Spain for its Easter celebrations. The city's Semana Santa processions are renowned for their size and religious significance, attracting visitors from all over the world. Still, Easter traditions in Spain are celebrated nationwide, with each region bringing its own unique customs to the festivities.
Andalusia
Andalusia, known for its religious fervour, offers some of the most striking Easter celebrations. In Seville, the processions of Virgen Macarena and Jesús del Gran Poder are highlights, attracting huge crowds, especially during the early hours of Good Friday. Other notable celebrations can be found in Granada and Malaga.
Madrid
Madrid is a fantastic destination to experience the energy and spirit of the Easter holiday in Spain. The Palm Sunday procession draws large crowds, and every parade in the capital features intricately decorated floats making their way through the city's streets.
Salamanca
In the historic city of Salamanca, part of the Autonomous Community of Castilla y León, Easter boasts events like the Oficios on Maundy Thursday and the joyful La Borriquilla parade on Palm Sunday. Best of all is the historical backdrop of one of the oldest cities in Spain.
Cuenca
In Cuenca, Easter is marked by the unusual La Procesión de los Borrachos, or ‘Procession of the Drunkards’. Participants symbolically delay the nazarenos carrying the statue of Jesus, reminiscent of historical events. Despite its name, locals prefer to call it the 'Camino del Calvario' procession or 'Las Turbas', emphasising its cultural significance rather than the inebriated connotation.
Toledo
Toledo, another of Spain's historical cities, offers a distinctive Easter experience with nighttime parades. The atmosphere created by the dimly lit streets and flickering candlelight makes Easter in Toledo rather magical.
Semana Santa food
Food plays a central role in Easter celebrations in Spain. Be sure to try these traditional dishes, and explore more traditional Easter food if you're still feeling peckish.
- Chickpea potaje: A hearty soup with chickpeas, cod, and spinach.
- Buñuelos de bacalao: Tasty cod fritters.
- Garlic soup: A comforting classic.
- Bacalao al pil pil: A spicy cod dish traditional in the Basque Country.
Don’t forget to leave room for the exquisite pastries and desserts - an Easter in Spain wouldn't be complete without sampling the typical sweet treats:
- Mona de Pascua: A festive cake from Catalonia and Valencia, typically decorated with chocolate eggs or figurines.
- Torrijas: A sweet, French-toast-like treat, made by soaking bread in milk and eggs, frying it, and dusting with sugar and cinnamon.
Is it a good idea to visit Spain during Easter?
Visiting Spain during Easter allows you to witness unique cultural traditions, as well as lively festivities and delicious cuisine that’s only enjoyed at this time of year. If you’re planning to experience Easter in Spain in 2025, expect elaborate historic parades, enthusiastic locals, and plenty of opportunities to experience authentic Spanish culture.
Easter in Spain for kids
The Easter bunny might not exist in Spain, but the holidays are still a wonderful opportunity to enjoy all the family-friendly celebrations that Semana Santa offers. The colourful processions with their elaborate, life-size floats, intricate palm decorations and lively marching bands are great for the kids to see in person. And the unusual Easter costumes are sure to be a talking point. Treat the kids to some typical Spanish sugary delights and enjoy the show - it's the perfect opportunity to experience Spanish culture at its most authentic.
Easter in Spain 2025: dates
In 2025, Holy Week will be from Sunday 13 April to Easter Sunday 20 April. For more information on this year's celebrations, check out our guide for Semana Santa in Spain 2025.
Living in Spain
Looking for somewhere to stay over the April holidays? Rentalia offers a wide range of holiday rental options for the Easter season. And if you can't get enough of Spain's eclectic culture and incredible food, then relocating to the country could be a great option for you.
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