Wondering why to visit Granada in Holy Week? Granada is one of the most popular places to celebrate Holy Week in Spain, with its 32 brotherhoods, 2000 costaleros (or people who carry the floats) and 58 floats that take in the beautiful, narrow and cobbled streets of the Albaicín neighbourhood. Make sure not to miss this occasion, declared an International Tourist Attraction!
During the 8 days of Holy Week in Granada, the streets of the city reverberate passion, emotion and beauty. There is such splendour on display that you do not have to be a believer to appreciate everything that this week in Granada has to offer. A few of the most important days and processions that you cannot miss are:
Generally speaking, the processions begin and end their routes in the same place, meaning large crowds gather to see the brotherhoods depart and arrive. If you don't like to get caught up in such big crowds, we recommend that you skip this moment and see the processions in more spacious places, such as the avenues.
Speaking of departures and arrivals (or "encierros"), there are some unmissable "encierros" (when the procession arrives back at the church) at night. Spectators live the moment with great passion and an overwhelming silence descends upon the streets until the moment the procession is fully inside. How could you miss out on the moonlight illuminating such an emotional moment?
Most processions depart their home church in the afternoon, meaning you can take advantage of the morning to sightsee and see the the must-see attractions in Granada.
At this time of the year, the city's terraces are full to bursting and there is a great atmosphere everywhere. We recommend that as a break from seeing processions, you head to a typical bar in Granada and sample its delicious Holy Week food. Not sure what food is typical in Granada at Easter? Let us tell you all about it!
Holy Week in Granada is spectacular and definitely worth seeing, but beware! You mustn't forget that this city has much more to offer. Over the course of this week, the city's terraces are packed with people who take the opportunity to take a break and have a wine, or two!
Make sure not to miss the famous cod skewer, especially during Lent as part of the tradition of avoiding eating meat during this week. Torrijas are a traditional Holy Week dessert in Granada that you absolutely must try to fully immerse yourself in Granada's culture.
Visiting Granada during Holy Week does not mean all that there is to do is watch processions. Granada is a city that is home to countless monuments and places worth visiting if you want to make other plans during the week. A few of the plans waiting for you in Granada during Holy Week include:
Are you really going to miss watching the processions parade under the watchful eye of the imposing Alhambra? Choose your and train, and hop on board to Granada!