Leonese fervour is present during the Holy Week of Easter in León. There are many brotherhoods which participate in this popular Spanish festival. What’s more, the quality of the scenes and sculptures representing the stations of the cross in the Easter processions and the setting through which they pass is something unique. León is a great destination to enjoy a magnificent Easter holiday because it’s a really extensive province that stands out for its history and nature. Do you want to know more about the city and how its parishioners celebrate Easter?
What to see in León and the surrounding area
Apart from standing out for its festivals and nature, León is also characterised by its emblematic buildings such as the Casa Botines, designed by Gaudí, and the Cathedral. It is also distinguished for its rich cuisine which uses quality source materials, such as its famous cured meats and wines with their official Designation of Origin from the area.
Visiting the surroundings of the city is also a good plan. Astorga, for example, is an incredible city with a Roman past that can still be seen in the remains of the city. Do not miss the great Cathedral, the City Hall or the Episcopal Palace. The same goes for the Valporquero Caves, located only 50 kilometres, 30 miles, away – caves studded with stalactites and stalagmites and currents of water which give rise to a singularly beautiful space.
What Easter is like in León
If you’re still not sure where to go for Easter, León should be a true contender as it’s a place that lives its processions with true passion. The Easter festival in León was declared to be of International Tourist Interest in 2002 and begins with La Dolorosa, a very special procession that starts at the church of Santa María del Camino.
There are no less than 16 brotherhoods and fraternities that jealously guard this imagery of great beauty and popular fervour. The oldest was founded in the sixteenth century, the so-called brotherhood of Our Lady of Sorrows and Solitude.
The Procesión de los Pasos and La Ronda are events that take place during Easter in León, with unusual processions and scenes from the Passion and Death of Christ that create a great sense of anticipation.
In the same way, the Procession of Forgiveness, where a convict is pardoned on the afternoon of Holy Tuesday and joins the procession, must also be highlighted. The Procession of the Holy Burial, on the other hand, takes place on Good Friday and is celebrated by two different brotherhoods, while Dainos is a procession that has one of the oldest carvings in León.
One thing’s for sure – Easter in León is very special thanks to its overwhelming music, its sober processions and the passion with which the Leonese live it.
