Discover the history and traditions of Semana Santa in Spain

Semana Santa, or Spanish Holy Week, is celebrated across Spain during Easter, which, like elsewhere in the world, does not fall on fixed calendar dates. Its timing is based on an astronomical event: the full moon following the vernal equinox in the northern hemisphere.

This calculation was established by the Council of Nicaea in AD 325, during the reign of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. According to the rule, Easter Sunday is observed everywhere on the first Sunday after this full moon, meaning it  can fall as early as 22 March and as late as 25 April. If you're planning to experience Semana Santa in Spain, be sure to check the specific dates for the year you intend to travel.

The history of Semana Santa can be traced back to the Middle Ages. However, a pivotal moment in its history occurred in 1521, when the Marqués de Tarifa returned from a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Inspired by what he had witnessed, he introduced the Via Crucis (Stations of the Cross) to Spain. This practice initially involved a solemn procession through the streets, with participants stopping at symbolic points to reflect on Christ’s journey to Calvary. 

Over the years, these processions, organised by Catholic brotherhoods, known as cofradías evolved into elaborate spectacles featuring intricately decorated floats (pasos) and hooded penitents (nazarenos). By the early 17th century, these processions had become more structured. 1604 marked an important milestone, as the Carrera Oficial, or official procession route, was established. It was also in the 17th and 18th centuries that lifelike wooden figures were crafted and included in the processions. Today, these traditions remain firmly in place, bringing communities closer together in faith and devotion. 

In case you’re still a bit concerned, rest assured that the KKK didn’t take their inspiration from the outfits worn during Holy Week in Spain.

Unfortunately for the faithful in Spain, it’s all just a coincidence. The KKK has no connection to this Roman Catholic tradition. They merely wanted a white costume, to represent skin colour (in Spain the robes are worn in many different colours), that would make them look ghost-like and cover their faces, so no one would know who the perpetrators were.

No one is entirely sure why Spanish participants in Holy Week wear pointed hats, but faces are covered to represent mourning for the death of Jesus. They’re taken off on Easter Sunday to celebrate the resurrection.

Celebrations are slightly different throughout the country, but Holy Week in Andalusia kicks off on Palm Sunday and goes through to Easter Sunday, with the most important days and Easter processions being towards the end of Semana Santa.

Things change slightly from city to city, but everywhere you go there will be a few processions on each day of the Easter week in Spain. Each one will be put on by a different Hermandad or brotherhood, which will carry the floats (normally two, one for Jesus and one for the Virgin Mary) from their church to the Cathedral and back again, with a band playing music as they go.

If you witness a holy procession for yourself, you’ll soon realise that carrying those heavy floats is no picnic. The costaleros who carry the floats are strong, but they’re at it for hours in a row, and the pain they suffer is meant to reflect what Jesus went through.

One of the best things about experiencing Semana Santa in Andalusia is that flamenco plays a starring role in proceedings. Flamenco sung during a procession is known as a saeta, once a spontaneous outburst of emotion, but these days are nearly always planned in advance. They’re normally only sung in certain barrios or neighbourhoods where the flamenco tradition is particularly strong, like Granada’s Sacromonte, where flamenco shows are put on in caves every night of the week.

Processions take place all over the south of Spain during Semana Santa, but the city that’s most famous for putting on a spectacular show is the region’s capital, Seville. Easter week in Seville is legendary all over the country, with the whole city practically coming to a halt to let the 58 processions that take place during Semana Santa pass by.

When thinking about spending Easter in Andalusia, Semana Santa in Seville is a must. During this time, brotherhoods join together to parade through the streets, walking in silence or to the sound of marching bands. The most anticipated night is Madrugá, when processions, including those of La Macarena and El Gran Poder, move through the city in the early hours, illuminated by candlelight. This is the most famous Semana Santa celebration, not just in Andalusia’s cities but in the whole of Spain. To be sure that you don’t miss out on this spectacle, book into one of Seville’s hotels and stay in the heart of the action to see the best Semana Santa in Spain for yourself.

If you are visiting Andalusia but don’t fancy Seville at Easter, why not stay in Málaga and witness the vibrant and deeply emotional take on Semana Santa? The city's processions are known for their grandeur and spectacle, featuring massive, richly decorated floats carried by hundreds of costaleros. In contrast to Seville’s solemn processions, Holy Week in Málaga is more celebratory with military parades and brass bands accompanying the pasos. 

One of the most striking moments is the release of a prisoner, a unique tradition that dates back to the 18th century when King Charles III granted the privilege to the city. Among the most famous processions is that of El Cautivo, which features a figure of Christ dressed in white, revered by the locals.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Alhambra and the snow-capped Sierra Nevada, Semana Santa in Granada offers a uniquely atmospheric experience. The city’s narrow, winding streets come alive with solemn processions, flickering candlelight, and the scent of incense. Watch in awe as this time-honoured tradition unfolds and snakes through the city’s hilly streets. One of the most iconic processions is the Cristo de los Gitanos, which winds its way up the hill to the Sacromonte caves, accompanied by flamenco singing and a deeply spiritual energy. Whether you're watching from the historic Albaicín or the steps near the Cathedral, Spain’s Holy Week promises an unforgettable and moving experience while on holiday in Granada.

Witnessing Semana Santa is an experience that everyone has to have at least once in their lifetime. Seeing the holy processions for yourself can be an incredibly moving experience, even if you don’t have a religious bone in your body.

There’s also a fantastic atmosphere at this time of year, and the region’s restaurants, bars and clubs are buzzing. The majority of Spanish people get Semana Santa off work, so once the processions are over most people head off for a cold beer.

Essentially, you get to see a completely different side of Spain and gain insight into its fascinating culture.

Before you go ahead and book, you need to be aware that the price of accommodation and the price of food and drink is generally higher during Holy Week. It’s prime holiday time for Spaniards and people in the hospitality industry, understandably, make the most of that.

Similarly, tourist spots will be extra busy, and tourist activities will book up far faster than usual. It’s important to realise that you won’t be able to visit all the tourist honeypots that you normally would, and if you want to really get to know the city in question itself then you’ll need to come back another time.

Lastly, remember that you won’t be able to get anywhere fast. If a Spanish Easter parade comes past, you can’t just dash through the middle of it to cross the street and reach your favourite tapas bar. You’ll have to find another way around, or just wait patiently until it’s all over.