Easter in Spain is one of the most important religious celebrations of the year. It takes place in spring, at the end of “Semana Santa”, and commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Although Easter is a Christian holiday, it is also a deep part of the country’s culture and traditions.
Glossary of Keywords
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Pascua: Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
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Semana Santa: The week before Easter Sunday, filled with important religious events.
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Domingo de Ramos: First day of Holy Week, celebrating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.
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Domingo de Resurrección: The final day of Holy Week, celebrating Jesus’ resurrection.
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Procesión: Religious parade where sacred images are carried through the streets.
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Cofrade: A person who belongs to a religious brotherhood and takes part in processions.
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Hermandad: A religious group that organizes events during Semana Santa.
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Paso: A sculpture or group of figures carried during processions, representing religious scenes.
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Capirote: Tall, pointed hat worn by members of religious brotherhoods.
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Saeta: Traditional and emotional religious song sung during processions.
“Semana Santa”: The Heart of Easter
In Spain, Easter is not limited to just one day—it’s part of a week-long celebration known as Semana Santa. It begins on Domingo de Ramos (Palm Sunday) and ends on Domingo de Pascua (Easter Sunday).
Throughout the week, many cities across the country organize traditional and solemn religious processions. These processions feature members of hermandades or cofradías walking through the streets while carrying large religious sculptures called pasos, which depict scenes from the Passion of Christ. These works of art are often centuries old and incredibly valuable.
The cofrades wear tunics and pointed capirotes, covering their heads as part of a religious tradition. While the attire may look unusual to outsiders, it has deep symbolic and historical meaning.
Regional Variations
Each part of Spain celebrates Semana Santa in its own way. In Andalusia—especially in cities like Seville and Málaga—the processions are known for being grand and emotional. Locals and visitors often spend entire nights on the streets watching the beautifully decorated floats pass by, accompanied by live music, drums, and saetas.
In northern regions such as Castile and León or Galicia, the atmosphere is more somber and reflective. For example, in Valladolid, the focus is on silence, respect, and deep contemplation.
Gastronomy and Family Traditions
Besides the religious events, Easter—or Pascua—is a special time for families in Spain. Many people take advantage of the holidays such as Jueves Santo (Holy Thursday) and Viernes Santo (Good Friday) to travel or spend time with loved ones.
Food plays a central role. Many Spaniards avoid meat during Semana Santa, turning instead to fish and legumes. A traditional dish is potaje de vigilia, a hearty stew made with cod, chickpeas, and spinach.
Sweets are also essential. The most iconic treat is the torrija—a slice of bread soaked in milk and egg, then fried and topped with sugar or cinnamon. In regions like Catalonia, children also enjoy chocolate eggs, often given by their godparents.
A Time for Reflection and Celebration
For many, Easter or Pascua is a moment of spiritual reflection. Even those who are not religious often participate in the celebrations because of their cultural and historical richness.
From candlelit processions to festive meals and traditional sweets, Semana Santa and Easter in Spain beautifully blend faith, history, and community—making it a meaningful celebration for millions.
📸 Photo: George Dolgikh
✍️ Author: María Pilar Casabán
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