Soul of Spain – Semana Santa

This year´s celebration of Semana Santa, ending on the last day of March, symbolised the new anticipation across the country; for warmth, for health, for peace.

Semana Santa (Holy Week) is a centuries-old Easter tradition, passed through generations, remembering the Passions of Christ.

Coming from abroad, the sombre processions of men dressed in ´Nazarenos´ (hooded cloaks) may appear concerning, but after participating and talking to the locals, one will find that it is a festivity in which life, in its essence, is celebrated.

Every day of the Holy Week holds a historic significance, as it moves closer to Easter Sunday. 

On Good Friday, a burial procession takes place, with men carrying the ´pasos´ (religious sculptures), weighing up to as much as 4,000 kilograms, alongside a crowd of mourners dressed in black. Walking in this crowd, accompanied by the sound of the town band, one feels like floating on a wave, as if guided by someone secure. 

Children in the crowd cry and laugh, and in these moments, the intricate diversity of life is more present than ever.

On Saturday, during the Church service, people recentre their values, focusing on love, humility, and gratitude; meditating in the wait for Christ’s Resurrection.

On Easter Sunday, the local communities gather to celebrate the triumph of life over death, remembering the Resurrection of Christ, revitalised with joy and strength to spend their days until next year´s celebration with appreciation, amiability, and acceptance.