Sevilla is the place to be if you want to have a totally different and unique Easter this year! Despite the fact that it is a key moment for the entire Spain, Sevilla exceeds all expectations. For that, forget about expectations, and just be prepared to be astonished. Continue reading to see why Sevilla is considered one of the best places to spend Easter.
What is Semana Santa?
The modern Semana Santa originated in the 16th century. The Catholic Church came up with the concept as a means of expressing the Passion of Christ to non-religious people. Over the week, various processions portray various aspects of the discussion surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Indeed, Semana Santa translates to Holy Week.
The parades are Semana Santa’s primary event in Spain. While Semana Santa processions and parades in Spain differ from city to city, the essential elements remain the same. There are processions from the city’s several brotherhoods (cofradias) every day. These cofradias, sometimes known as brotherhoods, have existed since the Middle Ages. The members of the cofradias are called Nazarenos. They are always formed of males who assist with carrying the tronos (floats). The Nazarenos’ clothing is intended to bring their penitence closer to the heavens, as you can see in the photo above in which they’re wearing cone-shaped hats that are meant to symbolise the ascending towards the sky. Capirote is the name for these head and facial covers.
How to spend Semana Santa in Sevilla?
Around a million people visit Seville during Semana Santa, making it a busy time to be in the city. Even some of the most famous monuments, including many restaurants, are closed for the week. Yet, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time while you’re there.
Planning is essential
When the processions are taking place outside, a walk that is typically quick could take hours. The roads are usually closed to vehicles as well. Probably, you may consider checking out the official routes and timetables in advance to make sure you don’t get trapped in the crowds while trying to go somewhere. You can find that information here.
Dressing properly for the event
For the natives, Semana Santa is a very important occasion, and they take it very seriously. As a show of respect, many dress up during the week. If you really want to experience the celebration like a true local, then you should consider dressing up at least a little bit. That way you will feel more comfortable with the people around you as well. You may do a little investigating to find out how people are preparing for the event.
Get yourself in a good spot to watch the processions
For a nice place near the cathedral or in La Campana bakery, where every procession passes and many frequently pay for reserved seating, people will line up for hours in advance. A good alternative is going to the Puente de Isabel II if you want to observe some processions and enjoy the view. For a long time, this bridge—which connects Sevilla with the Triana neighborhood—was the only way to cross the river. For generations, Brotherhoods have used it to go to the Cathedral. It is amazing to see it at night during the Madrugá, a well-known parade held on the Thursday before Easter, when all of the lights are off and it is only lit by candles.
Experience a Holy Week bar
Sevilla has numerous bars that are decorated with colourful Semana Santa artefacts and artwork. It’s fun to see these intriguing Holy Week bars all year long. You can experience Semana Santa without the crowds at these bars, which is fantastic. You might want to check for example La Fresquita where you could get great montadito sandwiches and nice beer.
Taste delicious Semana Santa food
Torrijas are the ideal Semana Santa treat. The bread in these tasty delights is soaked in honey, eggs, and white wine before being lightly cooked. These are essentially Spain’s version of French toast. Several of some torrijas also contain a small amount of cinnamon. Confitera La Campana is a place where you can find excellent torrijas. The famous bakery is directly on the official path of every procession, making it impossible to get there, so be sure to get your treats before the parades begin.
Holy Thursday night
The night of Holy Thursday is the focal point of Semana Santa in Seville. Locally referred to as La Madrugá, processions take place every night until Good Friday (from the Spanish word madrugada, which means the early morning). La Macarena is one of them and is maybe the most well-known procession of them all. This midnight parade, which has over 3,000 people, is a breathtaking sight. Down below you can have a look at some moments of Semana Santa in Sevilla. Enjoy!
Semana Santa will take place between April 2 and April 9 this year. You don’t have much time to start planning if you are already eager to travel to Sevilla for this remarkable occasion. One of the most crucial things to keep in mind is that you should make sure you have a place to stay in advance because Sevilla is extremely busy around that time. But we got your back! We encourage you to take a look at our alternatives for some of the best accommodation places in Sevilla:
The way to your best stay! 