Semana Santa in Spain

Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is one of the most important religious and cultural celebrations in Spain, and nowhere is it more deeply rooted than in Andalucía.

This region in southern Spain is home to some of the most spectacular Semana Santa processions, with cities such as Seville, Malaga, Granada, and Cordoba drawing huge crowds of locals and visitors alike.

The origins of Semana Santa in Andalucía date back to the 16th century, when the Catholic Church sought to reinvigorate the faith of the masses in the aftermath of the Reconquista, the centuries-long struggle to reclaim Spain from the Moors. Today, the processions that take place throughout the week leading up to Easter Sunday are a mix of religious devotion, artistic expression, and cultural heritage.

Each city has its own unique traditions and rituals, but some common elements can be found in almost every procession. These include the paso, or float, which is carried through the streets by a group of costaleros, or bearers, dressed in robes and hoods. The pasos depict scenes from the Passion of Christ, such as the crucifixion or the carrying of the cross, and are often adorned with intricate sculptures and elaborate floral arrangements.

The processions are accompanied by bands playing mournful music, and the air is filled with the scent of incense and the sound of devotional chants. Many of the participants wear traditional dress, with women often dressed in mantillas, or lace veils, and men in capirotes, or pointed hoods.

One of the most famous Semana Santa processions takes place in Seville, where dozens of brotherhoods, or hermandades, take to the streets throughout the week. Each hermandad has its own distinctive paso, and the processions can last for hours, with crowds lining the streets to catch a glimpse of the elaborate floats and costaleros.

In Malaga, the processions are known for their colourful displays, with the pasos adorned with flowers in bright shades of pink, yellow, and purple. The city also holds a famous bullfight on Easter Sunday, which is attended by many locals and visitors.

Granada’s Semana Santa is characterised by the solemnity of its processions, with the floats moving slowly through the streets accompanied only by the sound of a single drum. Cordoba, meanwhile, is known for its unique combination of Christian and Moorish influences, with the floats featuring both religious and secular symbols.

Semana Santa is a time of reflection and devotion for many Andalucians, but it is also an opportunity for celebration and community. Families and friends gather to watch the processions together, often staying out late into the night to experience the full spectacle of the week. For visitors to the region, it is a chance to witness one of the most vibrant and emotive displays of Spanish culture and tradition.