Semana Santa: Holy Week in Spain

Semana Santa, also known as Holy Week, is a grand event celebrated throughout Spain. With the majority of the Spanish population being Christian and having strong Catholic traditions, Semana Santa is a large part of the culture.

Beginning Palm Sunday and ending Easter Sunday, religious figures in the region lead a procession from the town church carrying floats and candles all through the town before finding their way back to the church.

The men carrying the floats, called costaleros, often wear robes, thick belts to aid with the heavy lifting and pointed hoods. The floats are not the light, air-filled kind one may think of, these floats are more like elaborate sets and scenes of statues that require strong individuals to carry them.

Processions like this occur all week as well as public speeches, singing and music, all while wearing costumes and holding candles. Onlookers can watch the procession and participate in singing before heading off to bars and restaurants.

Only the privileged individuals involved in the procession wear costumes; tourists and locals are expected to dress well. It is not uncommon for onlookers to dress as if they are going to a church wedding, preferably in suits and nice dresses.

Despite being a tradition in honor and remembrance of Jesus’s sacrifice, the processions and festivities that occur during the Easter holiday are vibrant and fun. Although most shops will be closed during Holy Week, bars and restaurants will be filled; however, there will not be any meat served.