Experience the Splendour of Semana Santa (Holy Week) from 13 to 20 April 2025

Semana Santa or Holy Week is the most important event in Andalucia. Every town, city and village celebrates with processions and brass bands. It is an occasion for social gatherings and ritual and a celebration of some deeply held traditions.

By Liza S. | Updated 2 Apr 2025 | Andalucia | Events | Login to add to YOUR Favourites or Read Later

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Imagine standing in a narrow, lantern-lit street in Seville as the scent of incense fills the air. The deep beat of a drum echoes in the distance, and suddenly, the crowd around you falls silent. A massive float carrying an ornate statue of the Virgin Mary emerges, swaying gently as dozens of hidden costaleros bear its weight on their shoulders.

Then, from a balcony above, a lone voice breaks into a saeta—an impassioned flamenco-style lament. The hairs on your arms stand up.

This is Semana Santa in Andalucia, one of Spain’s most powerful, moving, and visually stunning traditions. Whether you’re drawn to the history, pageantry, or sheer drama of it all, you’ll learn all about this epic event in Andalucia and how to experience Semana Santa like a pro.

When is Semana Santa in southern Spain?

The dates of Semana Santa vary each year according to when Easter occurs.

Semana Santa begins on Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter Sunday, and lasts until Easter Saturday, and, in some towns, until Easter Sunday.

In 2025, Semana Santa in Andalucia will occur from 13 to 20 April 2025.

Why Experience Semana Santa in Andalucia?

Semana Santa isn’t just a religious festival—it’s an electrifying cultural experience unlike anything else in Spain.

It’s a week when entire cities transform, when devotion meets artistry, and when you can feel the weight of history in every candle lit procession.

Even if you’re not Catholic or even religious, it’s impossible not to be moved by the spectacle.

The processions are a mix of solemnity and passion—some towns maintain an eerie silence as the pasos (elaborate religious floats) glide past, while in places like Málaga, you’ll hear bursts of spontaneous applause and the haunting, flamenco-infused cries of the saetas.

The sheer craftsmanship of the hand-carved, centuries-old statues, the scent of wax dripping from thousands of candles, the rhythmic sway of the costaleros—it’s sensory overload in the best way.

And with processions happening in every town and city, from Seville’s grand and dramatic celebrations to the more intimate processions in whitewashed villages, you can choose the atmosphere that suits you best.

If you want to witness southern Spain at its most raw and emotional, there’s no better time to visit.

A Brief History of Semana Santa: How It All Began

Semana Santa in Andalucia dates back centuries, but its roots run even deeper—blending medieval religious traditions, artistic expression, and community devotion into one awe-inspiring spectacle.

From Medieval Devotion to Public Processions

The earliest versions of Semana Santa processions can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when groups of Catholic devotees would march through towns performing acts of penance—some even whipping themselves in the streets (thankfully, that part didn’t stick).

These processions became a way to tell the story of the Passion of Christ to the masses, especially in a time when most people couldn’t read.

The Council of Trent and the Birth of Semana Santa as We Know It

Fast-forward to the 16th century, and the Catholic Church was in crisis.

The Protestant Reformation was spreading across Europe, challenging Catholic doctrine and authority. Enter the Council of Trent (1545-1563), a major reform movement that sought to reinforce Catholic identity. Key statements and clarifications regarding church doctrine, teaching, and practice were prepared and disseminated throughout the known Catholic world.

One of its mandates? Make religious ceremonies more engaging and spectacular to strengthen public faith.

Andalucia took this to heart.

Religious brotherhoods (cofradías)—some of which still exist today—began organising grand processions.

They were instructed to bring the liturgy to the people and ensure that they based themselves on Catholic doctrines that did not include any pagan traditions.

There are 3 strains of cofradias:

1. De Gloria (the Brotherhoods of Glory), who live and share the faith in community without excessive concern for processional activities
2. Sacramentales, who worship the sacrament at the altar
3. Penitenciales, who are responsible for the Semana Santa processions that take place in all the cities and most of the towns and villages throughout Andalucia.

The Penitenciales have their roots in the 14th century flagellants who organised religious processions and sang penitential songs and were united by the Council of Trent.

Today, each church can have its cofriadias, sometimes called a brotherhood. Each member of the Penitenciales cofradias is also known as a Nazarenos or penitentes.

During Semana Santa, the statues of Jesus and Mary are brought out of their churches and paraded through their cities, towns and villages.

The statues, all works of art, some of which weigh up to six tons, are carried on highly decorated floats (pasos), or on the shoulders of Penitenciales.

The hooded robes of the penitents that they still wear today were inspired by medieval acts of repentance.You will still see some of the Penitenciales walking in bare feet to emphasise their penitence.

Massive, gilded floats (pasos) were commissioned as artistic masterpieces to depict scenes of Christ’s suffering and Mary’s sorrow.

Semana Santa Evolves: From Solemn to Spectacular

Over the centuries, Semana Santa grew from a solemn, religious duty into a deeply cultural and artistic tradition.

Some cities, like Granada and Cordoba, maintained a more serious and reflective tone, while others, like Seville and Málaga, developed more theatrical and celebratory processions.

Today, Semana Santa is one of Spain’s most treasured traditions—a mix of faith, history, and artistry that continues to captivate visitors from around the world. Whether you see it as a religious event or a living, breathing piece of Spanish history, there’s no denying its power to leave a lasting impression.

What to Expect at Semana Santa: Understanding the Processions

Attending Semana Santa in Andalucia isn’t just about watching a parade—it’s about stepping into a centuries-old tradition where devotion, artistry, and raw emotion collide.

If it’s your first time, knowing what to expect can make all the difference. Here’s what you need to know about the main elements/participants in Semana Santa processions.

The Brotherhoods (Cofradías): The Ones Who Organise Semana Santa

Semana Santa wouldn’t exist without the cofradías, or religious brotherhoods.

These are deeply rooted organisations, many dating back hundreds of years, and each one is responsible for carrying out specific processions.

• Some cofradías take a solemn and serious approach, with complete silence from the crowds.
• Others, especially in cities like Málaga and Seville, bring a more dramatic and celebratory energy.
• Every cofradía has its own distinct colours, emblems, and traditions.

The members of these brotherhoods, known as Nazarenos or penitentes, take part in the processions—sometimes walking barefoot or carrying heavy crosses as an act of penance.

The Participants: Who’s in the Processions?

A Semana Santa procession is like a carefully choreographed performance, with different roles that each add to the drama and emotion.

Nazarenos (Penitents) – These are the hooded figures walking in the processions. Their robes (called capirotes) may look a bit eerie, but they symbolise penance and anonymity, dating back to medieval times. Some carry candles, some hold crosses, and others walk barefoot as a sign of devotion.

Costaleros – These are the real MVPs of Semana Santa. They’re the ones carrying the massive, elaborately decorated floats (pasos), often for hours at a time. The weight can be extreme—some floats exceed 5,000 kg (11,000 lbs)—so costaleros train all year for this. You won’t see their faces, as they’re hidden underneath the float, but you will hear their grunts of effort as they slowly march forward.

The Float Bearers (Pasos) – Each procession features at least one, but usually two, elaborate religious floats (pasos):

• One depicting a scene from the Passion of Christ (e.g., Jesus carrying the cross).
• One of the Virgin Mary, weeping for her son, often adorned with gold and thousands of candles.

These floats aren’t just religious icons—they are works of art, some dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.

The Bands – The heartbeat of Semana Santa comes from the brass and drum bands that follow the floats. The music sets the tone—sometimes deeply melancholic and mournful, sometimes powerful and triumphant. If you hear a particularly heart-wrenching solo on the corneta (trumpet), prepare for goosebumps.

The Saetas – Perhaps the most spine-tingling moment of Semana Santa is when a singer steps onto a balcony and belts out a saeta—a raw, flamenco-style lament directed at the Virgin Mary or Christ. This happens spontaneously and is met with total silence from the crowd, followed by thunderous applause.

The Procession: How It Unfolds

Semana Santa processions have a structure, but each city and brotherhood has its own traditions. Here’s the general order of events:

1. The Cruz de Guía (Guide Cross) – A large cross carried at the front, signalling the start of the procession.
2. Nazarenos (Hooded Penitents) – Marching solemnly with candles, crosses, or staffs.
3. The First Paso (Float) – A scene depicting Jesus’ Passion, carried by costaleros.
4. More Nazarenos & Devotees – Some barefoot, some carrying rosaries, others deep in silent prayer.
5. The Second Paso (Float) – Usually a breathtaking image of the Virgin Mary, surrounded by flowers and candles.
6. The Band – Playing either solemn funeral marches or more uplifting religious hymns.

Each procession can last anywhere from a few hours to an entire day.

In larger cities like Seville or Málaga, processions run almost non-stop from Palm Sunday to Good Friday—some even continuing into the early hours of the morning.

The Atmosphere: A Feast for the Senses

Semana Santa is deeply immersive—it’s not something you just watch, it’s something you feel.

• Visually Striking – The dramatic candle-lit floats, the flowing robes of the Nazarenos, the contrast between the golden Virgin Mary paso and the darkened streets at night.
• Haunting Sounds – The slow, measured drum beats, the occasional piercing cry of a saeta, the collective hush of thousands of spectators.
• Scents in the Air – Incense filling the streets, candle wax melting, and the faint aroma of orange blossoms as spring begins.

Semana Santa in Andalucia is more than a religious tradition—it’s a living, breathing work of art.

Whether you’re a devout Catholic or just a cultural enthusiast, you’ll never forget the experience of standing in a silent crowd, watching a float sway down the street as a lone voice sings from the darkness.

Best Places to Experience Semana Santa in Andalucia

No matter where you go, Semana Santa in Andalucia is a deeply moving experience, but some cities and towns take it to another level.

Here’s where to go for the most breathtaking processions, unique traditions, and unforgettable experiences.

Seville: The Grandest Semana Santa in Spain

As the capital city of Andalucia, you would expect Seville to celebrate Semana Santa in style and you will not be disappointed. Seville’s Semana Santa is legendary—the largest, most spectacular, and most emotionally charged in Spain.

Like Málaga, the cofradias of Seville prefer to have a less solemn occasion and you can expect plenty of music, singing and lively bars into the early hours of the morning.

The processions are notable for featuring the "pasos", lifelike painted wooden sculptures of individual scenes of the events that happened between Jesus' entry in Jerusalem and his burial, or images of the Virgin Mary showing restrained grief for the torture and killing of her son. Some of the images are artistic masterpieces of great antiquity.

One of the most popular and beautiful images of the Virgin Mary depicting her Sorrows is the Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza de Triana, "La Reina y Señora de Sevilla" (The Queen and Lady of Seville).

These "pasos" are physically carried on the neck of costaleros ("sack men", for their distinctive -and functional- headdress). The costaleros, who can number between 24 and 48, are hidden inside the platform of the paso, so it seems to walk alone.

With over 60 brotherhoods and processions running day and night, highlights include La Madrugá on Good Friday, when the most revered floats parade in near silence. The haunting saetas sung from balconies, the elaborate pasos, and the charged atmosphere make this a must-see event.

Málaga: Passionate and Theatrical

Málaga city has been celebrating Holy Week for 500 years and the processions are famous throughout the country. Their Semana Santa is less solemn and more dramatic, blending religion with celebration and spectacle.

The most famous moment? The Spanish Legion parading with Cristo de Mena, a military-backed procession that draws thousands.

Holy Week in Malaga is full of happiness, noise, cheer, spontaneous saetas (flamenco verses sung at the processions) and applause as the images pass by during an entire week of processions.

Of the towns in Málaga that have notable processions, Antequera stands out.

Granada: Mystical and Breathtaking

Semana Santa in Granada has been celebrated in the city since the reconquest in 1492 and saw a resurgence after the Council of Trent. Today, there are 32 fraternities and 34 cofradias controlled by the Royal Federation of Brotherhoods and Brotherhoods of Granada.

Granada’s Semana Santa is visually stunning, with processions weaving through cobblestone streets and passing the Alhambra’s illuminated walls. In fact, Granada was awarded the “Festival of International Tourist Interest” in 2009 for its Holy Week processions.

One of the most moving traditions is the Silent Procession on Good Friday, where thousands gather in total silence. The unique Gypsy procession on Holy Wednesday, starting from the Sacromonte caves, adds a mystical, flamenco-infused element.

Loja and Guadix are worth visiting during Semana Santa.

Cordoba: Elegant and Solemn

Córdoba holds one of the most popular Holy Weeks in Spain. Here, processions move with measured precision, focusing on the solemnity of the Passion rather than theatrical spectacle.

37 brotherhoods take part in processions with elaborate "pasos" which represent the scenes of the events of The Passion of Christ. Córdoba also has the coveted stamp of "Fiesta of National Touristic Interest".

In the towns and villages, Cabra, Priego de Córdoba and Puente Genil all put great efforts into their processions.

Cadiz: Extravagant with a Coastal Twist

The city of Cádiz likes to party and Holy Week is no exception.

Processions here are grand, with elaborate golden floats, but there’s also a sense of joy and celebration in the air. Unlike the inland cities, Cadiz offers a coastal backdrop, and its processions often come with lively musical accompaniments, giving the event a more uplifting energy.

In the towns and villages, some of the Semana Santa devotions are worth a visit.

The town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda earned the title "Fiesta of National Touristic Interest" in 2002 whilst San Roque, El Puerto de Santa María, Jerez de la Frontera, Arcos de la Frontera and Chiclana de la Frontera all have notable processions.

Jerez de la Frontera: The Flamenco Influence

In Jerez, Semana Santa has a distinct flamenco flair.

Expect impassioned saetas breaking the silence and an air of deep, soulful devotion. As a city famous for sherry and Andalusian horses, Jerez’s processions feel authentic and intimate, blending religious traditions with the rhythms and artistry of flamenco culture.

Úbeda & Baeza: UNESCO Heritage Semana Santa

These two Renaissance towns hold some of the most visually stunning Semana Santa celebrations in Andalucia.

The processions feel timeless, with dramatic floats passing through centuries-old squares. The UNESCO-listed architecture, paired with the solemn, candlelit processions, makes Semana Santa in Úbeda and Baeza feel like stepping back in time.

Smaller Towns & Villages: An Intimate Experience

For a less crowded, more personal Semana Santa, head to to the smaller towns and villages I’ve mentioned above, rather than the big cities. Places like Ronda, Priego de Córdoba, and Arcos de la Frontera have notable Semana Santa celebrations.

These smaller towns retain deeply authentic traditions, with processions that feel more local and immersive. It’s an up-close experience where you can truly feel the devotion and artistry without battling overwhelming crowds.

Essential Tips for the Best Semana Santa Experience in Andalucia

Semana Santa is one of the busiest times of the year in Andalucia, and a little preparation goes a long way.

Follow these tips, embrace the atmosphere, and get ready for a week of devotion, artistry, and unforgettable moments in Andalucia.

• Book your accommodation early – Semana Santa attracts huge crowds, especially in Seville, Málaga, and Granada. Hotels and rentals sell out months in advance, so book as early as possible. If staying in the city centre, keep in mind that street closures may make taxis or Ubers difficult—choose a location within walking distance of key areas.
• Arrive early for the best viewing spots – Locals claim their spots hours in advance, especially along major procession routes. If you want a good front-row view, plan to arrive at least two hours early. Some of the best vantage points are along narrow streets, where the processions feel more intimate.
• Consider ticketed seating – In cities like Seville, you can reserve a ticketed seat along the main route (Carrera Oficial) for a guaranteed view. These are sold months in advance and are a great option if you want to avoid standing for hours.
• Be prepared to walk—a lot – Many streets are closed to traffic, and processions disrupt normal routes. Public transport may be rerouted, taxis won’t always be an option, and crowds can slow everything down. Comfortable shoes are a must!
• Check opening hours of attractions – Many major attractions, such as the Alhambra in Granada and the RealAlcázar in Seville, adjust their opening hours during Semana Santa. Some may close early or have limited access due to processions. If you’re hoping to visit landmarks, check schedules in advance.
• Plan your meals wisely – Restaurants along procession routes fill up fast, and some even charge extra for tables with views of the processions. Make reservations where possible or eat at off-peak times (lunch at 1pm instead of 2-3pm, dinner before 8pm).
• Try traditional Semana Santa treats – Look out for torrijas (Spain’s version of French toast, soaked in honey or wine), pestiños (fried dough with honey), and bacalao (salt cod dishes)—all popular Easter-time foods in Andalucia.
• Expect packed crowds, especially in big cities – Seville, Málaga, and Granada see thousands of people lining the streets, so patience is key. If you prefer a less crowded experience, consider watching processions in smaller towns like Ronda, Úbeda, or Priego de Córdoba.
• Know when to be silent and respectful – While some processions are more lively (especially in Málaga), others—like the Silent Procession in Granada—demand complete silence as floats pass. Follow the locals’ lead—when they go quiet, so should you.
• Keep an eye on your belongings – Large crowds create prime conditions for pickpockets, especially in big cities. Use a crossbody bag with a zipper and keep your valuables secure.
• Prepare for late nights – Some of the most spectacular processions take place after midnight, especially on Good Friday in Seville. If you want the full experience, be ready for long but magical nights.
• Respect local traditions – Semana Santa is a deeply religious event, and for many, it’s a time of devotion and reflection. While taking photos is fine, avoid using flash and don’t push through crowds to get the perfect shot.
• If it’s your first time, start with a smaller city – Seville and Málaga offer the biggest Semana Santa celebrations, but if you want a more relaxed, immersive experience, cities like Córdoba, Jerez, or Cádiz still offer breathtaking processions without the overwhelming crowds.

Experience This Unique Andalucian Tradition on Your Next Visit

Whether you’re religious or not, Semana Santa in Andalucia is an unforgettable cultural experience—a week where history, devotion, and artistry come alive in the streets.

From the haunting silence of Granada’s processions to the electrifying energy of Málaga, there’s nothing quite like it.

Expect late nights, goosebump-inducing music, and streets packed with tradition and emotion. It’s intense, it’s spectacular, and it’s 100% worth seeing at least once in your life. Just plan ahead, embrace the crowds, and get ready for an experience you’ll never forget.

Buen viaje!

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