Holy Week in Seville (Semana Santa) stands as one of the most extraordinary celebrations in Spain, offering visitors an unparalleled experience of religious devotion, artistic splendour and cultural tradition. This iconic event, held annually during the week leading up to Easter, transforms the city into a living canvas of spiritual expression and historical significance. The dates of Semana Santa in 2025 are from 13th to 20th April.
Semana Santa in Spain has evolved from a religious observance into a breathtaking cultural masterpiece. Nearly 70 religious brotherhoods (‘hermandades’ and ‘cofradías’) organize elaborate processions which weave through the city’s streets. Some of these brotherhoods, such as El Silencio, have origins which can be traced back to the 14th century, but most date back to the 16th century during the Counter-Reformation.
Processions During Holy Week in Seville
Artistry of the Pasos
Semana Santa is deeply embedded in the fabric of Seville’s culture. Members of the brotherhoods prepare year-round for the processions, with rituals passed down through generations. The heart of Semana Santa lies in the ‘pasos’ which are meticulously crafted floats depicting biblical scenes and the Virgin Mary. These floats are works of art, often centuries old and created by renowned artists.
Gilded with gold and adorned with rich fabrics, flowers and candles, the ‘pasos’ representing Christ’s Passion contrast beautifully with those featuring the Virgin, which are often silver-clad. These massive structures can weigh over a ton and are carried by ‘costaleros’ (bearers) hidden beneath the float, creating the illusion of a mystical, gliding movement.
Costaleros and Nazarenos
Carrying the pasos is a profound honour for the costaleros, with demand far exceeding available spots. For many, the opportunity comes only once in a lifetime. This devotion is palpable, especially in years when rain cancels processions, leaving bearers and onlookers heartbroken. Each float requires months of practice, as teams of approximately 40 costaleros carry up to 2,000 kg, sharing a weight of about 50 kg each over hours-long routes.
A distinctive element of these processions is the ‘nazarenos’ – penitents dressed in distinctive robes and pointed hoods (‘capirotes’). Marching silently with long wax candles, they embody the solemnity of Holy Week. The ‘capataz’ (overseer) directs the ‘costaleros’ using ceremonial hammers, adding to the mystique of the procession.
Official Route
The processions follow a carefully planned route which begins at the brotherhoods’ home church then heads for the official route from the north of Calle Sierpes via Avda de la Constitución to Seville Cathedral. They enter the Cathedral from the west and depart from the east and then return to their starting parish. The largest processions can last over 14 hours, immersing participants and spectators in an atmosphere of profound reverence and communal emotion. Prospective visitors should check out confirmed routes on the Official Semana Santa Website.
Holy Thursday and Good Friday
Music plays a crucial role in the event, ranging from solemn funeral marches accompanying Christ’s images to more uplifting hymns for the Virgin. Composers like Manuel López Farfán and Abel Moreno have contributed iconic ‘marchas procesionales’ which heighten the emotional impact of the processions.
Particularly moving are the spontaneous ‘saetas’ – flamenco-style laments sung from balconies – which create moments of raw emotion. And Holy Thursday is notable for the women who wear black lace ‘mantillas’ which add a solemn yet elegant atmosphere to the processions. The Madrugá, spanning the night between Holy Thursday and Good Friday, is the emotional climax of Semana Santa.
The first procession after midnight on Good Friday is called El Silencio and it solemnly marches in complete silence. It is considered the oldest procession. Next comes Jesus del Gran Poder, parading a revered image of Jesus bearing the weight of the cross. Then there is La Macarena, featuring a widely admired depiction of Mary mourning the death of Jesus.
The last of the six processions is Los Gitanos, meaning “The Gypsies,” which makes its way through the city as the sun rises at dawn. These iconic processions on Good Friday night into Saturday morning draw crowds who line the streets to witness the striking religious displays and experience the reflective, solemn atmosphere.
Extra Tips for Visitors to Holy Week in Seville
Plan Ahead: Whilst the processional routes typically include stops at Seville Cathedral and the Carrera Oficial, they vary slightly each year, with schedules finalized at the Cabildo de Toma de Horas, held 14 days before Palm Sunday.
Prime Viewing Spots: For prime viewing, arrive early at key spots like the ‘Carrera Oficial’ near Calle Sierpes. Enhance your experience by sampling traditional Holy Week treats such as ‘torrijas’ and ‘pestiños’. While Semana Santa is celebrated nationwide, Seville’s version stands out for its unmatched grandeur, artistic excellence and emotional depth.
Visit Home Churches: A unique way to appreciate the artistry and spiritual significance of Semana Santa is to visit the home churches of the floats. Notable examples include the Basílica de la Macarena and the Basílica de Jesús del Gran Poder, where visitors can admire the intricate floats and witness the devotion of local parishioners.
Semana Santa Travel Guide
Planning your trip to Seville during Semana Santa requires careful preparation as the city becomes a hub of activity with visitors from around the world. Here’s a concise Seville Travel Guide to help you make the most of your experience:
Getting to Seville
By Air: The city’s international airport, San Pablo Airport (SVQ), is located just 10 km from the city centre. Regular flights connect Seville to major European cities. From the airport, you can take a taxi or the EA Airport Express bus to reach the city.
By Train: The AVE high-speed train links Seville with Madrid in under 2.5 hours, whilst other regional trains connect Seville to Córdoba, Málaga and Granada. The main station, Santa Justa, is centrally located.
By Car: If traveling within Spain, Seville is easily accessible via well-maintained motorways like the A-4 and A-92. However, traffic restrictions during Semana Santa may make driving in the city challenging.
Where to Stay in Seville
Accommodation during Semana Santa is in high demand, so booking several months in advance is essential. Here are some recommended areas and types of accommodation:
Santa Cruz: The heart of Seville’s old town offers charming boutique hotels and proximity to the Cathedral and the Carrera Oficial processional route.
Triana: Across the Guadalquivir River, this neighbourhood provides a slightly quieter atmosphere with lively local culture and easy access to the city centre.
Luxury Stays: Hotels like Hotel Alfonso XIII and EME Catedral Mercer provide premium amenities and prime locations.
Budget Options: Hostels and budget hotels in neighbourhoods like Alameda de Hércules and Nervión offer affordable alternatives without compromising convenience.
Practical Tips
Navigating the City: Seville’s narrow streets are always crowded during Semana Santa, so walking or using public transport is the best way to get around. The city also offers bike rentals for an eco-friendly option.
Dining: Restaurants and tapas bars in Seville remain open during Holy Week but reservations are recommended near major procession routes.
As always very informative and interesting reading, and it is something that we will be interested in seeing.
Kindest Regards
Chris Wright
I have spent 2 semana santa in San Roque – near La Linea/Gibraltar – a charming Spanish town with a fascinating history well worth a visit. Yes one was cancelled due to rain making San Roque VERY precarious due to steep roads and cobblestones!
The cathedral in Seville is stunning I think it is better than Santiago de Compostella. Zamora also in the North of Spain has a museum dedicated to Semana Santa 100% recommended if you are near there.
Hope these comments are useful to someone!
Thanks Sue … very helpful
Nice article about Semana Santa Gerry. May give Nerja a go 2016. Didn’t realise you were a Wireman. (Saints until I die).
Thanks John … went to school in St Helens so have a bit of a soft spot for Saints (but don’t tell my fellow Wires :-))
many years ago i was in benidorm and because of a cancelled flight was there over easter. in the days leading up to good friday we used to hear trumpets being practiced but had no idea why.
Then on thursday night the processions carrying floats and penitents(KKK lookalikes).on the sunday in the little church near the centre they held mass every hour and between services a small brass band would play for a few minutes then adjourn to the local bar while firecrackers were let off. it was fascinating.I might add that the quality of music did not seem affected by repeated drinks partaken.
another saintsman
What a beautiful time to be in Spain!! Just remember to pay attention to where you are going if you decide to follow the procession throughout the city. I got horribly lost at 2am and it took me 2 hours to find my way back to my hotel. Who knew there were so many Hotel Alfonso–no wonder everyone I asked gave me a funny look–I figured they all knew what I was talking about!!
Was in Malaga a few years ago and heard about something special. During Semana Santa, in the small village of Riogordo – some twenty odd miles north of Malaga on the C340- they celebrate a Passion Play. Held in the local bull ring it is a quite unforgettable experience. If you get the chance you should visit -some 300 of the villagers take part…incredible.
Great tip – thanks Mike
Is it still the case that the ‘cofradias’ have to actually pay the Catholic Church for the privilege of their being allowed to carry their floats with their religious idols around the cities during religious festivals ?
Are the ‘pasos’ actually owned by the ‘cofradias’ but the religious idols are owned by the Catholic Church ?
I don’t know these details Alan but certainly this sounds plausible.
Marchena, a small town east of Seville, has a fantastic procession. This includes Roman soldiers on foot and also on horseback, it is amazing and very touching. Well worth a visit. Parade starts from their council offices, Plaza Ducal, at about 10.30 on good Friday you need to be there earlier to see all the statues leave through the tiny archways. There are several good bands that play but the most rousing is the sound from the drums that are beaten by the soldiers as they march through the town.
I’ll have to pay a visit to Marchena … thanks Jenny
Seville during Semana Santa – unforgettable! Huge crowds, but no pushing or shoving, everyone, Spanish or foreign, believer or not, sharing a strange, solemn, deeply-felt, fascinating ritual. Each morning we picked up the information about the processions, with details of routes, times, pasos, colours of robes and candles, music, for each cofradía, and decided where to post ourselves. We snatched a tapa at a (crowded) bar or bought nuts and snacks from street sellers between processions. We got to know Seville as we wriggled our way round back streets to the next procession. The devotion of the participants, the colours and sounds, the virgin being scattered with rose petals and serenaded from an upstairs balcony as she passed by, so alien yet so moving.
We couldn’t get a room for the last two days so we went to Almonaster La Real, a tiny village in the Sierra de Aracena. The village women chanted as they followed the little pasos round the steep village streets – very simple but perhaps even more moving.
We have also spent Semana Santa in Tarragona. It rained that week, which takes the edge of the processions, but the atmosphere was different, less fervent, more military. Still interesting, but not with the same power to engage.
Thanks Judith for this delightful description of your experience of Seville.
We wintered in Cadiz in 2012 and we were able to see the men practicing carrying the floats each week. They started with empty ones and then the weights got heavier.The processions were wonderful and the accompanying bands did an amazing job.We were surprised how long each procession took and the different stops along the way. At one point everyone stopped and a window opened , a flamenco singer leaned out and sang a mournful song.
Well worth going to see.
Hi !! I’m from Sevilla. I like to speak of the most beautiful of Seville – Holy week which is beautiful – you have to go because you are going to enjoy. I’m glad you like … kisses from Sevilla.
Planning for my trip next year and thankful for the information and tips! Very interesting read!
Hi
The Semana santa sounds amazing. We are going in March 2016 and are wondering if tickets are sold for access to areas in Sevilla (or to stands)?
Hi Lawrence … you don’t need tickets. Just wander around with the rest of the crowds. be sure to book accommodation as early as possible.
Hi,
Why do you have an image of a KKK procession… The one with the tall pointed hats. I think you need to take down that picture because a lot of people find it offensive.
Regards, Dan
Dear Dan
that is not the KKK,they are called Nazarenos and are a part of the culture
This has nothing to do with the KKK. This was happening in Spain long before those American idiots hijacked the Nazarene’s costumes.
I might add that in my area of Spain, lower Aragon, we have the route of the drums. On Good Friday there is a “rompida” in the main square and then a Procession where statues are carried through the streets accompanied by the sound of the beating drums. Very moving. Alcaniz and Calanda are 2 larger Processions where you will see most.
Dan you should read all of the article before you make such a statement!!
Was there in 2012 during Semana Santa staying in Antequerra. Went to Malaga, Cordoba, Seville, Granada and Ronda. It’s probably one of the most spectacular sights I’ve ever seen, especially at night. In Malaga the cross was brought from a landing craft and carried by the Spanish Foreign Legion and in Ronda the float was carried exclusively by women. Definitely looking to go back again but would probably just base myself in Seville the next time.
Definitely a lifetime must see and not just for those who are religiously inclined.
Dan
visit other sites if you are a troll.
please reason if you are a reasonable human.
God bless you and the path you choose.
Love adam
I was stationed in Naval Air at Rota Spain back 1976, 1977 and 1978 . I drove up to Seville one day from Rota . I sat in the viewing bleachers in front of the old Catholic Church in Seville . I had NO IDEA what the EASTER HOLY WEEK was like . I , being a non-Catholic , was very impressed with the processions of the men carrying the floats down street and then up the Church steps while they were going along on their KNEES . NOT standing up walking . This was 39 years ago back in 1978 . This is something that if someone had the TIME and could afford the MONEY they should experience .
We are in Cadiz (2017) for Semena Santa. It is well worth seeing althought I did see one of the huge floats almost topple over. They did a great job of keeping it upright though. I have also seen similar processions in Nerja and a small village up in the mountains called Competa.