Semana Santa
Country: Spain (Seville, Zamora, Valladolid, Leon)
When: From Palm Sunday to Easter Morning 9th-16th April 2017
25th March- 1st April 2018
Cost: It is possible to book seating for one week along the main procession, but this must be done months in advance and is very costly, from £70-400 per seat. It is a better idea to book a balcony overlooking the main route for around £50 per person: visit mybalcony.com.
History
Semana Santa is a Catholic observance celebrated in both Spain and parts of South America, in remembrance of the Passion of Christ. It means “Holy Week”, and includes grand penance processions through the towns and cities that celebrate it.
Originating in the Middle Ages, the processions are organised by fraternities, with participants wearing the somewhat frightening capirotes (conical hoods) and nazarenos (penitential robes) to accompany the pasos (floats) which depict scenes and figures from each day of the Passion in carved wood. Fraternities have preserved many of their pasos for centuries.
The most notable of the processions, because of the grandeur and glamour, is in Seville.
However, for the more religious traveller, it might be an idea to experience Semana Santa in Zamora or Valladolid, which are less busy with tourists and which have a more spiritual, solemn atmosphere to their processions.
Alternatively, the procession at Salamanca is quite a sight, set against the backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old City, and with some of the oldest and best-quality pasos in the country.
Though many small shops will close, as it is a religious holiday in Spain, restaurants and bars will stay open to accommodate tourism.
The processions emerge from the Churches every afternoon to roam for hours, and are accompanied by hymns and music. The crowds dress smartly, so you may want to pack a suit or dress for the occasion.
Festival Videos
Key Highlights
La Madruga (early Good Friday morning)
The Exit of El Silencio: the 1:00am procession in Plaza del Duque is worth the early hour, to witness the oldest fraternity, El Silencio, march along completely darkened streets, lit only by candlelight.
In Saville the two favourite Virgin pasos emerge at midnight, and return to their neighbourhoods at 9am. Choose from the rival virgins La Macarena (at Feria) or La Esperanza (at the Triana Bridge).
Viernes Santa (Good Friday afternoon)
See El Cachorro cross the Triana Bridge at 5:30pm. This paso was created in the 17th Century and is revered as a masterpiece.
Where it is
Seville, Zamora, Valladolid, Leon
Where to Stay
Official Routes are released on March 14th each year. Bear in mind it can be best to avoid the most popular sections, as these will be the most busy. Otherwise, get there early for a prime position!
WorkingHolidaymaker.com TIP!
It is possible to book seating for one week along the main procession, but this must be done months in advance and is very costly, from £70-400 per seat. It is a better idea to book a balcony overlooking the main route for around £50 per person: visit mybalcony.com.
More information on Semana Santa:
Useful links
http://web.schc.sc.edu/Samantha_Ward_Senior_Thesis/SemanaSanta.html
http://www.exploreseville.com/events/semana-santa.htm#5
Nowadays there are even apps which can give you live updates on the location of the procession!
