If you’re planning a spring trip to Spain in 2025, you may find yourself in the middle of something quite extraordinary. Semana Santa 2025, or Holy Week, takes place from 13th to 20th April, and it’s one of the most culturally rich and emotionally powerful times to visit the country. Rooted in centuries-old Catholic tradition, it’s a week of reflection, art, music, ritual, and community—and something every traveller should experience at least once. Even if you’re only able to grab a couple of days in Seville, this is an ideal reason to visit.
This guide offers a thoughtful introduction to Semana Santa 2025, where to go, what to expect, and how to navigate it respectfully as a visitor.
What is Semana Santa 2025 and Why It’s Worth Experiencing
Semana Santa marks the final week of Lent, leading up to Easter Sunday, and is celebrated all across Spain with solemn processions, elaborate floats, and an atmosphere that feels part religious observance, part open-air theatre. Whether or not you consider yourself religious, the artistic and cultural significance of the week is hard to ignore.
Each day brings something different. From hushed, candle-lit processions to grand, trumpet-led parades, it’s a deeply visual and emotional experience. For many Spaniards, this week is not just a tradition—it’s a spiritual homecoming.
A Brief Look at the Tradition
Semana Santa traditions date back to the 16th century, designed to bring the Passion of Christ to life for the people. Each procession is organised by a religious brotherhood or cofradía, some of which have been around for hundreds of years. These brotherhoods carry ornate, hand-crafted floats (known as pasos) depicting scenes from the Passion.
You’ll also see hooded penitents known as nazarenos, whose striking robes and tall conical hats might look unfamiliar or even unsettling at first. These garments symbolise mourning and anonymity in the act of repentance, and have no connection to anything else you may have seen elsewhere in the world.
Women in traditional mantillas (lace veils) and marching bands playing slow, sorrowful music add further to the atmosphere. It’s powerful, and at times, deeply moving.
Where to Experience Semana Santa in 2025
While nearly every town in Spain marks Holy Week in some way, a few places are known for their particularly elaborate or unique celebrations:
Seville
The most famous Semana Santa celebrations in Spain. Expect grand processions day and night, emotional crowds, and stunning pasos carried by costaleros (bearers) hidden beneath. The entire city becomes a stage.
Málaga
Known for its military involvement (including legionnaires marching with Christ figures), as well as its enormous floats and passionate crowds. It’s a spectacle with its own flair.
Granada
With processions passing beneath the Alhambra and through the Albaicín, the setting itself adds to the mystique. More subdued than Seville, but still incredibly beautiful.
Zamora & Valladolid
If you’re looking for a quieter, more traditional experience, these smaller Castilian towns are deeply atmospheric, with sombre processions and candlelit streets.
Madrid
A more accessible option for travellers flying in, Madrid’s processions are growing in size and popularity. Expect processions in the city centre, particularly around Plaza Mayor and the Almudena Cathedral.
What to Expect: Processions, Crowds, and Atmosphere
Processions take place daily, sometimes multiple times a day, depending on the city. Streets are lined with people hours before the floats arrive. Locals often bring folding chairs and snacks to wait it out.
- Early Week: More solemn, introspective in tone.
- Midweek (Holy Wednesday & Thursday): Processions become larger, crowds build.
- Good Friday: The most solemn day, often with silent or minimal-music processions.
- Easter Sunday: Celebratory, often joyful processions with bells and white robes.
It’s not just about watching the procession—it’s about feeling it. The music, the smell of incense, the silence of the crowd as a paso passes by—it all creates a rare atmosphere.
Practical Tips for Travelling During Semana Santa 2025
- Book Early: Hotels fill up months in advance, especially in cities like Seville.
- Expect Disruptions: Streets will close, taxis will be scarce, and local businesses may reduce hours.
- Use Public Transport: But plan your route ahead—many buses will be rerouted during processions.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be on your feet a lot, and cobbled streets don’t forgive poor footwear.
- Bring Water and Snacks: You may be waiting a while, especially for evening processions.
Cultural Dos and Don’ts
- Do watch with respect: Treat processions as sacred events, not entertainment.
- Don’t interrupt the route: Stay behind barriers or clear lines of movement.
- Do dress modestly: Especially if you plan to visit churches or attend mass.
- Don’t use flash photography: It’s distracting and can be seen as disrespectful.
- Do ask questions politely: Locals are often happy to explain the traditions if approached respectfully.
Final Thoughts: Semana Santa 2025 is a Different Kind of Travel Experience
Semana Santa is more than a week of pageantry. It’s a deeply held expression of faith, art, identity, and heritage. For travellers, it offers a rare window into Spain’s soul—and an opportunity to experience something profound.
If you’re visiting Spain during Semana Santa 2025, go with an open mind and a willingness to pause and absorb. This isn’t a time for rushing through sights or ticking boxes. It’s a chance to slow down, reflect, and witness something truly unique.
Plan ahead, travel respectfully, and let the experience unfold. You’ll come away not just with photos, but with memories that stay with you far longer.
I’ll finish off here by saying, if you’re not a religious person, please don’t let this put you off watching the parades and processions. You’ll see the pride and joy that those taking part show.
Personally, I’m one of the least religious people on the planet, rightly or wrongly, but this never prevents me enjoying these events or visiting the numerous places of worship, such as Malaga Cathedral, or Moorish architecture such as Alhambra, Generalife & Nasrid Palace, around Spain.
Happy Easter!
