Semana Santa

Semana Santa – or Holy Week – is one of the most celebrated traditions in Spain, especially in the Southern region of Andalucía. Cities such as Seville, Malaga, Cartagena and others have elaborate festivals and celebrations during Semana Santa. Holy Week is celebrated worldwide and it’s a Christian tradition that starts during the final week of Lent (or more specifically on Palm Sunday) and it continues up to Easter to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, Spain regards Semana Santa as one of the most important weeks of the year, and because of this, it’s one of the best countries to visit to celebrate Holy Week.

During Semana Santa, hundreds of cities in Andalucía celebrate with elaborate processions that start at churches, cathedrals and even homes. Participants in these processions where elaborate garments resembling medieval attire that consist of a colorful tunic, a cloak and a hood that conceals the face of the participant. Most participants carry candles, wooden crosses, and in some instances they’ll walk barefoot and wear shackles around their feet. Thousands of residents and visitors line the streets to watch these amazing processions that pay homage to Jesus Christ.

The best place to take in Semana Santa is in Andalucía. Each year, thousands of visitors flock to the city to observe and celebrate the amazing atmosphere. More than 60 highly elaborate and beautiful processions take place in Andalucía during Semana Santa. Some of most celebrated processions include floats displaying life-sized wooden sculptures depicting the final days of Jesus Christ and images portraying his Mother Mary and the grief she felt during the crucifixion of her Son Jesus Christ. Many of these sculptures and paintings are considered great works of art.

It’s not uncommon to find large parties in the streets and bars of Andalucía during Semana Santa. However, compared to other festivals like San Fermin, Las Fallas, Carnival and Tomantina, Semana Santa’s parties are more reserved and less wild. For instance, almost everyone in the city shows up during the processions to watch with great reverence and respect. In fact, it’s common for everyone in the crowd to remain silent as the images of Jesus Christ and Mary proceed by on floats or in the hands of the participants. Sometimes songs and prayers are sung (accompanied by choirs with full brass bands and a percussion section), and applause is sometimes heard to celebrate the life Jesus and his Mother Mary.