Semana Santa & Pascua IN VALENCIA

In Spain Easter is known as Pasqua, whilst the Holy Week is referred to as Semana Santa. Celebrations in Valencia commence a week prior to Easter Friday.

Varying according to region, impressive festivities and processions take place across several days. Along the south coast of Spain, local men can be seen practicing for their mammoth task prior to Easter. They shuffle along the streets, huddled together bearing a massive concrete block of unfathomable weight upon their shoulders.

Celebrations

Locally, most activities are held in the coastal districts of Cabanyal, Grau and Canyamelar. Acts of remembrance can be viewed along the shores and in various streets of the neighbourhoods. Depending upon the day, they can be dramatic, create the impression of utter sadness due to the death of Christ with black costumes or joyous as is seen on the day of resurrection.

Processions

From dramatic scenes to joyous parades, everything can be experienced during the coastal neighbourhood processions. They include the Procession of Palms on Palm Sunday to commemorate the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, the evening Procession of Torches on Holy Thursday accompanied by drums and candles, the Procession of Holy Burial on the beach on the early morning of Good Friday and the Resurrection Procession accompanied by flowers on Easter Sunday.

Note also that Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays with many closures. Meanwhile, locals who may be dressed in traditional costumes enjoy mona de Pascua, which is cake with a hard-boiled or chocolate egg nestled on it or panquemao, a fluffy sponge cake with a tinged crust.

A link to their Yumpu digital publication is available on the Castilian and Valencian website versions, which includes the current programme in the final pages.

By Vincent Green, Updated Mar 20 2024