One of the most important festivities of the season is approaching: Easter. A very special holiday that everyone experiences in their own way. While some stay at home and catch up on much-needed sleep, others return to be with family or go out with friends. And then, there are those who are always looking for a new destination, an exciting place, a new adventure: what about Spain at Easter?
Whatever your situation is, you will surely like to know the best of Spain through its celebrations. Therefore, at Coeo we recommend 5 destinations to discover the famous Semana Santa that you will absolutely love. We’ll tell you why.
The Semana Santa is a very important celebration in Spain. Because of the religious devotion of the celebration, but also because the cities are elegantly decorated, and are a tourist attraction for its charm and tradition during these days. So here are some ideas on how to explore Spain at Easter as you should 😉
5 cities to visit in Spain at Easter and enjoy a unique celebration
Malaga
This coastal city known as “the Jewel of the Costa del Sol” is the reference point for tourists during Holy Week. People from all over the world travel to Malaga for the Easter celebrations, but also for its beaches, its gastronomy and the fabulous Andalusian sunshine that reigns almost all year round. Malaga is that destination that has everything anyone dreams of. Art, good food, beaches, tradition, history and culture.
During this celebration, the city of Malaga is transformed into a real wonder to be enjoyed. The different religious brotherhoods of the churches of Malaga are ready to experience the passion of Holy Week. The processions with the Nazarenes; the pasos recounting the life, death and resurrection of Christ; the costaleros, the legionaries… A whole world in which the religious imagery and the fervour of the faithful are astonishing. It is worth noting that some of the images of Jesus and the Virgin Mary that process through the city may be more than 300 years old, indeed a religious and cultural treasure.
Holy Week runs from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. But then the party continues in the vibrant city of Malaga, a place full of life both day and night. Take a stroll through the bars and restaurants near Coeo, and enjoy a good chat with your new friends.
Source: https://www.guiarepsol.com/
Sevilla
Seville is another of those cities that will surprise you, perfect for enjoying Spain at Easter. Like Malaga, it has a vast history and deep-rooted traditions. Seville stands out, among many other things, for its architectural value. We recommend a guided walking tour to discover the Alcázar or the Giralda, and contemplate the beauty of a city that has defied time.
What’s more, if you come to Seville during Holy Week, be prepared to witness one of the most multitudinous and fervent celebrations in the whole of Spain. More than 70 brotherhoods take out their sacred floats as they solemnly process through the city.
When you hear a saeta being sung, surrounded by profound silence and respect, you will know how deeply moving this fiesta is for the Sevillians.
Source: https://www.granadahoy.com/
Granada
We move on to another city worth visiting in Spain at Easter. From 711 to 1492, Granada was under Islamic rule, and for a time it was even the most populated city in Europe. For this reason, its architectural charm and cultural enchantment are indisputable. The Alhambra, Sacromonte and the famous Albaicín neighbourhood are just a few examples of the beauty and rich heritage of Granada.
In addition, the city is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, so its thermal amplitude is considerable. Therefore, it is quite common to find snow in Granada. In fact, Sierra Nevada usually has the longest ski season in Spain (with the exception of climate change).
Granada is also known for its generous tapas (included with the drink). During the Semana Santa, Granada’s cofradías (brotherhoods) procession the Virgin Mary and Christ throughout the city. Each festivity has at least five processions that go to different places. One of the most emotional is the procession of the Christ of the Gypsies to the Sacromonte Abbey. And after each procession, a good plan is to go out for tapas in the city centre.
Source: https://ajuntament.barcelona.cat/
Barcelona
Barcelona also has a very interesting architectural heritage. The Sagrada Familia and Parc Gûell are just two examples. The birthplace of modernism and Gaudí, it is also home to the Gothic Quarter, where some of the city’s best shops and restaurants can be found.
Barcelona celebrates the Holy Week according to customs that are deeply rooted throughout the country. There are plenty of processions, imagery and solemnity. Although religious fervour tends to be much more intense in southern Spain. The Blessing of the Palms (Bendición de las Palmas) on Palm Sunday (Domingo de Ramos) is interesting and picturesque.
The range of leisure activities on offer during these days is also interesting. Celebrations and leisure activities in Barcelona are, of course, one of its strong points. As for gastronomy, calçotadas are the typical Lenten dish. In short, it is undoubtedly another of the cities to visit in Spain at Easter.
Source: https://www.guiarepsol.com/
Valencia
The last of our cities to enjoy the Semana Santa is Valencia, one of those destinations that you will fall in love with for its cultural richness. It is also world famous for the celebration of its iconic Fallas, a thousand-year-old festival in honour of the city’s patron saint, Saint Joseph. The Valencians build monuments that are as beautiful as they are ephemeral. Works of art made of wax, paper or wood. This festival alone is worth a visit to Valencia.
On the other hand, the Holy Week celebrations in Valencia are quite unique. In fact, it is known as Semana Santa Marinera, as it is celebrated in El Cabanyal, one of the neighbourhoods in the Poblats Maritims district.
In essence, this celebration is similar to those in other parts of Spain, but the figure of the sailors and fishermen is of vital importance.
Coeo Peña, one of our aparthotels in Malaga city centre
Now you know. If you are looking for new experiences to enjoy the essence of Spain at Easter, start with Malaga. We are waiting for you at Beatas Pod Hostel and Coeo Hernán Ruiz. Or at our Fresca, Parras or Peña Aparthotels. After the incomparable experience of Holy Week in Andalusia, you can have fun with the activities we organise for our guests. Come with us and discover the best of Malaga.
·coeo·
Visiting Spain at Easter? Malaga will surprise you!
Welcome to Coeo, in the heart of Malaga!
*IFeatured image: Semana Santa in Malaga.
