The countdown has already begun. In a matter of days, Easter will be upon us and, with it, one of the most exciting times of the year for travellers in Spain. During this week, many cities completely change their rhythm to the sound of drums, the scent of incense in the streets, the saetas breaking the silence, or the light of candles illuminating historic squares.
Granada, Seville, Toledo and Ronda are just some of the places where this tradition is experienced with the greatest passion. Their celebrations, recognised with various designations of Tourist Interest, attract thousands of travellers every year who seek to experience first-hand one of our country’s most profound cultural expressions.
If you haven’t yet decided what to do over the coming days, this could be the perfect excuse to plan a spontaneous getaway. Because sometimes the best trips are the ones decided at the last minute.
Tradition, art and unique settings
Granada has a very distinctive way of celebrating Holy Week. Here, the processions move not only because of their floats – many of them the work of great sculptors such as Pablo de Rojas or José de Mora – but also because of the setting in which they take place.
The processions wind their way through some of the city’s most beautiful spots, such as the Albaicín, the Carrera del Darro, the Paseo de los Tristes and the area around the Alhambra. At every turn, a different scene unfolds, with the city lit by candles and the echo of the saetas resonating through the streets.
One of the most striking moments is the procession of the Gitanos, which climbs up to Sacromonte amidst bonfires lit on the hillside. The procession of El Silencio and the one that passes through the Alhambra’s monumental complex are also very special.
Between one procession and the next, Granada invites you to savour the traditional fare of this season, with pestiños, roscos, leche frita and cod dishes that form part of the city’s culinary tradition.
And to experience it in a truly special way, few places can compare to the Parador de Granada. Staying within the Alhambra complex, in a former convent built by the Catholic Monarchs on the site of a Nasrid palace, makes your getaway a unique experience. From here, you can stroll through the Generalife gardens at dusk or head down to the Albaicín as the city begins to buzz with excitement.
BOOK AT THE PARADOR DE GRANADA
The intensity of Seville’s Holy Week
During these days, the Andalusian capital is completely transformed; the streets smell of incense and orange blossom, the balconies are filled with people waiting for the processions to pass by, and any moment can become an unforgettable one.
Around sixty cofradías (brotherhoods) parade through the city from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. But there is one night that captures much of the excitement: La Madrugá, when some of the most iconic brotherhoods parade until dawn.
To enjoy this experience in relative peace, a great option is to stay at the Parador de Carmona. Located just half an hour from Seville, this Parador is housed in a former 14th-century Moorish fortress overlooking the entire Andalusian plain. After a busy day in the city, returning to Carmona allows you to enjoy the tranquillity of one of Andalusia’s most beautiful historic centres, with spectacular views from the Parador’s terrace.
BOOK AT THE PARADOR DE CARMONA
Holy Week: a time of silence and solemnity
If there is one city where Holy Week takes on an almost mystical character, it is Toledo. The network of narrow, cobbled streets in the historic centre creates a unique setting for the processions.
Here, everything unfolds amidst silence, candles and shadows cast upon the stone walls. The penitents advance solemnly whilst the floats make their way through streets so narrow that they require precise manoeuvring. The atmosphere is awe-inspiring, even for those without religious convictions.
During the day, the city offers countless activities to round off your getaway, such as visiting the Primatial Cathedral, exploring the Alcázar, stepping inside the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, or discovering El Greco’s famous painting The Burial of the Count of Orgaz in the Church of Santo Tomé.
And as evening falls, few experiences rival gazing upon the city’s skyline from the Parador de Toledo. Its location opposite the historic centre offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the City of Three Cultures.
Tradition in a spectacular setting
In Ronda, Holy Week is experienced with a blend of emotion, tradition and a natural setting that is hard to match. The processions wind their way through cobbled streets and historic squares whilst the town looks out over the spectacular Tagus Gorge.
With a history dating back to the 16th century, this festival brings together 14 brotherhoods every year, which take part in up to 15 processions throughout the week. The city’s unique geography means that each route has its own special charm. Watching the floats make their way through narrow streets against the backdrop of the Serranía mountains is one of those images that stays with you forever.
To complete the experience, the Parador de Ronda offers one of the most spectacular views in Andalusia. Situated next to the Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) and overlooking the river Tagus, it allows you to admire the city from a truly exceptional vantage point.
