The Camino During Semana Santa

Semana Santa - Pamplona

SEMANA SANTA: Holy Week 2020 in Spain will begin on Sunday, April 5 and will end on Sunday, April 12. What does this mean for the Pilgrim? This means in almost every large city, the albergues, hostels, and hotels are going to be FULL because the parades are spectacular and people will be flying from all countries to see them. This means in the smaller village, the albergues, hostels and hotels are going to be FULL because children and grandchildren will be going to their home parishes to celebrate with their families. I suggest you book the entire week, including the weekend BEFORE Semana Santa begins.


Semana Santa commemorates the last week of the life of Jesus Christ, his crucifixion on GOOD FRIDAY, and his resurrection on EASTER SUNDAY. Processions will be spectacular and you will see many people wearing the nazareno, or penitential robe. This robe and capriote (pointed hood) are of medieval origin. People wearing the robes and hoods will often be carrying candles and walking barefoot. At times, they will have shackles and chains on their feet. These hooded penitents will lift and carry the heavy floats, called thrones or tronos, through the streets. Behind them often are women dressed in black and carrying candles, singing saetas, traditional songs of mourning, dedicated to the pasos (carved wooden sculptures) on the float. The pasos represent different scenes in the last days of Christ.


PALM SUNDAY is the kick-off for Semana Santa. This is the day that Jesus rode into Jerusalem. There may be processions and people waving braided palms.

HOLY MONDAY is next, with possibly more processions than on Sunday.

HOLY TUESDAY and HOLY WEDNESDAY are pretty quiet, but you'll feel the energy building.

MAUNDY THURSDAY will find a lot people celebrating in the streets, and many processions.

GOOD FRIDAY, businesses will be closed and there will be at least one procession carried out in silence, mourning the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.

HOLY SATURDAY. In some villages this will be important. In others, not so much.

SUNDAY OF RESURRECTION is a day to celebrate, spend time with family, and attend processions.

EASTER MONDAY is a national holiday so businesses will be closed as people rest from the week's celebrations.