Semana Santa in Granada

2 - 9 April 2023

Semana Santa or Easter week is perhaps the most important week in the Spanish religious calendar. And, with the Alhambra Palace for a backdrop, Granada puts on one of Spain’s most extraordinary religious spectacles.

The Easter celebrations in Spain take place during the last week of lent starting with Palm Sunday and finishing with Easter Sunday. This important religious festival is timed around the spring equinox and often coincides with the full moon.

Throughout the week over thirty spectacular processions, known as pasos, take place in Granada each organised by a different hermadad Catholic brotherhood. Every one passes the cathedral where they pause to make the Station of Penitence before returning to their churches.

Paso along Carrera del Darro | Joe Calhoun

Brass bands play soulful marches setting the pace of the pasos, as they make their way through the streets of the city. Each paso carries a float, on the shoulders of many costaleros, upon which a religious icon, Mary or Jesus, will be seated on a throneThese are followed by nazarenos, or penitentes, garbed in the long hooded gowns and the carrying figures of the cross. The women dress in black and carry candles and crosses.

One of the most notable processions is Wednesday evening’s Gypsy Procession el Cristo de los Gitanos which climbs the steep Cuesta Chapiz into the Albayzín and proceeds along a route lit with bonfires to Sacremonte finishing at the Sacromonte Abbey in the early hours of the morning.

There is also a children’s procession Los Facundillos on Easter Sunday starting at 11.30 from the Church of Santo Domingo.

Semana Santa 2023

Easter week 2023 begins on Palm Sunday 2 April and ends on Easter Sunday 9 April and includes two national holidays on Maundy Thursday 6 April and Good Friday on 7 April.

The streets of Granada are very busy during this period, but if you enjoy a spectacle and want to soak up the atmosphere, put on your comfortable shoes, grab your camera and get involved.

Here’s a great video from Canal Granada Habla to give you a flavour of the passion, drama and emotion of Semana Santa in Granada.

Are you driving?

If you’re planning to drive to Granada be sure to book a hotel with parking and be aware that you’ll probably leave your car there for the duration. Check out car hire deals below.

Where to stay in Granada

Check out the map below for hotels in Granada.

This is a very busy time of year in the city so if you are planning a trip to Granada during Semana Santa it is advisable to book your accommodation as early as possible to get the best price and selection for you. 

If you want to be in the thick of it for the pasos look for something near Plaza Nueva, Carrera del Darro or Gran Via de Colón using the search box below.

Booking.com

Things to do in Granada

Spring is a lovely time of year to visit this beautiful city and surrounding areas. The sun is out, there is still snow sparkling on the mountains and some would argue that this is the best time of year to enjoy a trip to the Alhambra and the gardens of the Generalife.

Whether you are interested in discovering more about Granada’s history and culture of looking to get away from the crowds in the city and into the mountains, here are some more ideas on what to during your stay Granada.

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Article updated: February 2020
Main image credit: Semana Santa procession | Michal Osmenda

Latest on BA Flights from London to Granada

BA have suspended all direct flights from Granada to London.

From July 25 the company will reinstate direct flights from London to Granada.

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