Holy Week in Spain 2026
David Chelly, 14 January 2026
In Spain, Semana Santa (Holy Week) is one of the great highlights of the year. For a whole week, the confraternities parade through the streets, sacred music echoes through the historic centres, and the streets become a living stage where faith, heritage and collective emotion intertwine. The experience varies greatly from one city to another, ranging from restraint and silence to fervour and spectacle.
Holy Week dates in 2026
In 2026, Holy Week runs from Palm Sunday, 29 March, to Easter Sunday, 5 April. The most closely followed moments are usually concentrated from Holy Thursday through Sunday, with a peak in attendance on Good Friday. Depending on the autonomous community, Holy Thursday is a public holiday in many regions, while Easter Monday is only observed as a day off in some.
The processions are organised by hermandades and cofradías (brotherhoods) that carry pasos, religious works of art transported at a slow pace, to the sound of brass bands, drums and sometimes saetas (flamenco-style religious songs). The atmosphere can be extremely solemn, with striking moments of silence, then shift towards intense sound and emotion as the processions wind through narrow streets amid incense and applause.
Holy Week in Seville
Seville remains the best-known reference point, with a spectacular staging, codified routes and very intense nights, notably during the Madrugá. Malaga offers a more expansive and highly popular version, carried by the scale of its processions. For a more austere and striking atmosphere, Valladolid and Zamora are often cited for their silent processions. Murcia and Cartagena stand out for their highly structured traditions and strong local participation.
Practical tips
If you're heading to Andalusia, book early, as the best-located accommodation fills up quickly, especially in the centres. On the ground, favour walking and public transport, as some areas are restricted and main roads can become congested. To enjoy the experience without being overwhelmed by the crowds, the most effective approach is to pick one or two peak time slots each day, then move away towards less central neighbourhoods where you can follow the processions more comfortably.