Here at Jacaranda Spain we believe it is important, as expats, to learn about and embrace the culture and traditions in Spain. Whether you are lucky enough to live here or you are just interested in this fascinating culture, to truly understand it you also have to understand and respect the importance of religion in Spain. Spain is still a deeply religious country, and Pascua (Easter) is the most important Christian festival of the year, even more so than Christmas. In other countries the time around Easter is associated nowadays with holidays and Easter eggs but in Spanish culture the traditions are still connected to the Bible and the life of Jesus of Nazareth. 

The build up to Easter starts on Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent.

Cuaresma- Lent. 

This refers to the 40 days that Jesus spent alone in the desert, fasting, praying and resisting the temptations of Satan. Even to those Spanish who are not devout practising catholics, Cuaresma is a time of reflection and abstinence, a time in which they will pray and be self disciplined (usually this means denying themselves particular luxuries). The period of Cuaresma ends at sunset on Holy Thursday.

Semana Santa- Holy Week.

Semana Santa starts on Domingo de Ramos (Palm Sunday), which marks the day when Jesus entered Jerusalem. People buy dried palms to fashion into crosses or more intricate designs.

Miercoles Santo - Holy Wednesday, when Jesus was betrayed by Judas for 30 pieces of silver.

Jueves Santo- Maundy Thursday, the day of the last supper.

Viernes Santo- Good Friday, the crucifixion and death of Jesus. This is a national public holiday.

Sabado Santo- Holy Saturday, Jesus rests in his tomb.

Domingo de Resurrección- Easter Sunday, the resurrection, when Jesus rises from the dead.

Semana Santa is the most important week of the year everywhere. Hugely elaborate processions in the big cities involve thousands of people taking part and following the processions. These terrific spectacles are also a huge tourist attraction. Even in the smaller towns and villages, although much more modest, everyone takes part and even none church goers attend mass on Easter Sunday.

Hermandades (Brotherhoods)

The events and processions of Semana Santa, in the bigger towns, are organised by the “Hermandades" (Brotherhoods). These are groups of lay people who act as a support group for the church. They officiate at big events and official occasions and have become iconic because of their sometimes brightly coloured, robes and hoods. At the more important ceremonial processions they wear the “nazareno”, a tunic and conical shaped hood, normally in matching colours, depending on the occasion. 

They might also be in chains and barefoot, this further demonstrates their devotion. Although this traditional costume has a more sinister meaning in other countries, the Brotherhoods adopted the robes and hoods way before, in the middle ages, as a way to repent in earnest without being recognized. They carry the enormous floats with sculptures of the “Passion of Christ” or the “Sorrows of Mary” as well as candles and crosses. There will also be a marching band, beating drums and playing solemn music. Among the congregation many people are visibly moved and even the non religious among the crowd will find the experience unforgettably emotional.

The festival of Pascua is about passion, death, resurrection and, for those devout Christians, it is about repentance. However, Easter Sunday is viewed as a joyous occasion, it signifies new beginnings and there is a great atmosphere of community and family.

Semana Santa or Holy Week this year, 2025, starts on palm Sunday 13th April and ends Easter Sunday 20th April. If you wish to be a part of this unique cultural experience, check the schedule with your local townhall or, if you want to witness something truly spectacular, head for the city of Valencia. https://www.visitvalencia.com/agenda-valencia/fiestas/semana-santa-de-valencia

We would like to wish all of our friends and clients a very happy Easter!