Easter in Spain, the meaning of processions
There are many reasons why people want to visit Spain, from the wonderful whether to affordable largers, or comfortable and safe beaches in the Mediterranean coast, however there is only one time in the year where you will have the chance to discover a side of the Spaniards which is only uncovered during Easter.
You might have seen on TV or press some images of the processions that take place in the southern european countries in Easter, however, the experience when being in one is absolutely surreal and cannot be described with words. Sensitivity runs high those days, the religious beliefs suddenly blossom, entire streets are closed and cities come to a stand still waiting for hours on end to see a glimpse of the catholic imaginery, even if you are non-catholic, non-believer, chances are you will be absolutely moved by the whole experience.
Processions take place usually from 5 pm to 2 or 3 am. There are different groups of people known as “Cofradias” who organise and take active part in every single church. Being able to carry the weitgh of images such as The Crucifixion or The Virgin Mary is a huge honor for those “Cofrades” who take part, it requires first to work as a volunteer in the church throughout the year, become an active member, and pay for the membership. Working for free, and paying to take part in the whole experience does not guarantee you the honor on carrying the main images, usually this is a task past on from one generation to another, and usually women are excluded all together.
Walking through the streets of Madrid, Seville, Granada or Cordoba in Jueves Santo or Viernes Santo is a haunting experience, the streets are flooded with people who wait for hours to see the processions, dissapointment comes when rain comes, as processions can’t take place due to the possible damage than water can inflict on the images usually dating back to the XVII and XVIII century.
The combination of candles, hundres of “Cofrades” hiding their faces, orchestras on the streets, the smell of inciense brought out from the churches, and people singing randomly on the streets as the images go is all designed and crafted to take your breath away.
Spain has a strong catholic tradition and during those dates many families still preserve the custome not to eat meat, as this is considered an insult because Jesuschrist died during that time, the diet changes to accommodate the lack of meat and therefore the restaurants will be plenty of veggie options during those dates and tipical desserts such as “Torrijas”.
The whole experience does come with a price and balconies on the major cities that overlook the streets where processions take place have a high price tag. Hotels are usually booked months prior to Easter and overbooking is not unsual, the new alternative is booking privately owned short rental apartments. In particular finding accommodation in <b>Madrid</b>, Seville, Murcia, Malaga, Valladolid and Zamora is really hard as the processions in those cities are considered the best in Spain. Online bookings can be made in some websites for <b>apartments in madrid</b>, or any other spanish city directly from property owners.
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Freelance Travel Journalist
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