Confirmed Date: Sunday, March 29th – Sunday, April 5th 2026
Semana Santa is Andalucía’s most powerful and emotional religious celebration, transforming cities and towns into open-air theatres of devotion. From Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, hundreds of penitents, musicians, and costaleros carry elaborately decorated floats (pasos) through the streets, often accompanied by live brass bands and candlelight. In major cities like Seville, Málaga, Granada, and Córdoba, processions can last up to 14 hours and draw hundreds of thousands of spectators. Each day has a different religious focus and artistic style, with some brotherhoods known for silence, others for solemn music, and many for their deeply moving images of the Virgin Mary and Christ. While rooted in Catholic tradition, the week also reflects Andalucía’s cultural identity — rich with symbolism, artistry, and collective emotion.
Highlights
From hilltop towns to bull runs at sunrise, these are the local Easter traditions that give Semana Santa its real Andalusian flavour.
Palm Sunday & Holy Monday – El Rescatado and La Sentencia processions in Córdoba
Two of Córdoba’s most attended and emotionally powerful processions, known for their striking visuals and deep local devotion. Read More
Holy Monday – Cristo de la Viga in Jerez de la Frontera
A quiet, solemn procession featuring one of the oldest religious images in Andalucía — rooted in Jerez’s austere Holy Week tradition. Read More
Holy Thursday Night – La Madrugá in Seville
La Madrugá is the most sacred and emotionally charged night of Seville’s Semana Santa (Holy Week), unfolding from midnight on Holy Thursday until midday on Good Friday. During these solemn hours, six of the city’s most revered brotherhoods—including El Silencio, El Gran Poder, La Macarena, El Calvario, La Esperanza de Triana, and Los Gitanos—process through the historic streets, carrying elaborately adorned floats (pasos) that depict scenes from the Passion of Christ. Accompanied by the haunting melodies of saetas (flamenco laments) sung from balconies and the rhythmic beat of drums, the processions move through candlelit streets filled with thousands of silent spectators. La Madrugá is not just a religious observance but a profound expression of Seville’s cultural identity, drawing both locals and visitors into a night of deep reflection and communal devotion. Read more.
Holy Thursday – Cristo de la Buena Muerte in Malaga
The Cristo de la Buena Muerte procession in Málaga is one of Spain’s most iconic Holy Week events, blending military precision with deep religious tradition. Held every Maundy Thursday, it features the Spanish Legion—known for their distinctive uniforms and solemn chants—carrying the revered image of Christ through the city streets. Read more.
Holy Saturday – Procesión de Santa María de la Alhambra in Granada
A breathtaking procession that winds through the Albaicín and past the Alhambra, offering one of Semana Santa’s most unforgettable settings. Read More
Easter Sunday – Toro del Aguardiente in Gaucín
An early-morning bull run through the streets of Gaucín, marking the end of Semana Santa with a long-standing rural tradition. Read More
Easter Sunday – Toro Embolao in Vejer de la Frontera
A live bull is released through the streets in the afternoon, part of a controversial but deeply rooted Easter ritual in this white hilltop town. Read More
Easter Sunday – Toro del Aleluya in Arcos de la Frontera
Two festive bull runs through the historic town — one at midday, one in the afternoon — closing Semana Santa with crowds and celebration. Read More
Semana Santa / Holy Week and Easter in Seville
Seville’s Semana Santa is the most famous in Spain, known for its scale, intensity, and emotion. These are the key moments to watch.
Palm Sunday – La Borriquita procession through the city centre. Family-friendly, joyful, and a perfect introduction to Semana Santa.
La Madrugá (Thursday night to Friday morning) – The emotional heart of Seville’s Semana Santa. Includes La Macarena, Gran Poder, Esperanza de Triana, El Silencio, and Los Gitanos — the most iconic processions of the entire week.
Good Friday – El Cachorro in Triana. Famous for its dramatic image of Christ and the intense devotion of the crowds.
Holy Saturday – Santo Entierro procession marks the symbolic burial of Christ. Rarely includes the extended Santo Entierro Grande.
Easter Sunday – La Resurrección celebrates the resurrection in a more joyful and relaxed atmosphere.
For more events, check out our Guide to Semana Santa / Holy Week and Easter in Seville
Semana Santa / Holy Week and Easter in Málaga
Málaga’s Holy Week blends solemn devotion with military spectacle and huge public participation. Here are the main events.
Palm Sunday – Pollinica opens Holy Week with children carrying palm branches. Uplifting and family-oriented, it’s one of the most beloved processions.
Holy Monday – El Cautivo, known as “the Lord of Málaga.” The most followed procession of the week, drawing huge crowds and deep public devotion.
Holy Wednesday – El Rico, famous for the ceremonial release of a prisoner, a royal privilege dating back to the 18th century.
Maundy Thursday – Cristo de la Buena Muerte by the Mena Brotherhood, escorted by the Spanish Legion. One of the most dramatic and nationally televised events.
Good Friday – Santo Sepulcro, representing Christ’s burial, closes Málaga’s main processions with solemnity and tradition.
For more spiritual events during Easter check out our ‘Easter and Holy Week in Marbella and around Andalucía / Semana Santa Guide‘.
For more Religious Events check out our ‘Best Christian Events in Marbella and around Andalucía Guide‘.
For more cool events in April check out our ‘Best Events in Marbella and around Andalucía in April Guide‘.
