If you are looking for an exciting destination to enjoy Holy Week, Toledo is a city you simply must visit at this time of year. Ready to hear why? If this city is particularly noteworthy in Holy Week, it is the backdrop against which everything happens: steep, narrow streets where the processions pass at night and that will leave you speechless. Discover everything there is to know about Holy Week in Toledo!
Holy Week processions in Toledo
Did you know that all Holy Week processions in Toledo take place at night? It really is impressive how the candle light enhances the beauty and antiquity of the likenesses and carvings that are paraded through the streets of the city!
At this time of year, all the churches, convents and monasteries that are normally closed to the public open their doors, allowing you to go inside and find out more about their rich heritage. It is a unique opportunity that you simply cannot miss!
Some of the most spectacular processions during Holy Week in this city are as follows:
- Cofradía de Caballeros de Cristo Redentor. The procession is organised in the form of a Via Crucis with fourteen Stations and fragments of the Miserere are sung out while the brothers carry the likeness on their shoulders. It is particularly impressive to see how they walk through the narrow streets of the Jewish quarter of Toledo! But that's not all. The experience becomes even more intense when you see the float bearers having to get on their knees to pass through some of the most complicated parts of the route. You are sure to be impressed! Are you going to miss it?
- Hermandad de la Oración del Huerto y San Juan Evangelista. Did you know that this procession, on Maundy Thursday, is one of the oldest in Toledo? The Nazarenes carry candles and the likeness of the Virgin of the Rosary, accompanied by the likenesses of Jesus Praying in the Garden and St John the Evangelist. You can't miss it!
- Cofradía del Santísimo Cristo de la Misericordia y María Santísima de la Piedad. One of the most eagerly awaited by locals and visitors alike. This procession takes place on the afternoon of Easter Sunday and the Nazarenes don white cloaks and tunics, carrying the likeness of the Virgen de la Piedad and Cristo de la Misericordia. A procession that is bound to move you!
Other plans in Toledo during Holy Week
Visiting Toledo during Holy Week is also all about eating! To watch the processions or to check out the essentials in Toledo, you need to feed up first, and what better than something typical of the area and the festivities?
- Torrijas: this dessert is the most typical during Holy Week in Toledo. It consists of a slice of bread soaked in milk, egg and sugar, before being fried in olive oil. A true delight!
- Carcamusas: this traditional stew is perfect for the cooler days typical of Easter. It consists of pork, peas, tomato and pepper, all cooked slowly in a casserole.
- Manchego cheese: although not exclusive to Holy Week, Manchego cheese is a regional delicacy that you simply have to try. This goat's cheese is known for its intense flavour and texture
- Regional wine: what better way to wash down your meals than with a good wine? Toledo has a variety of wineries, meaning you have a wide variety of options to choose from.
What's more, visiting Toledo at Easter is all about soaking up the city. And if it is normally beautiful, imagine the spectacle at Easter. Walk aimlessly through the city's streets and take a seat in one of its squares. Be part of the city and be enamoured by everything it has to offer.
How to get to Toledo by train
Decided to visit Toledo for Easter? Then you're in luck! At Renfe, we have the best prices and time tables, meaning you can enjoy a wonderful holiday. Remember, travel quickly, comfortably and sustainably, and do so with Renfe. Discover all our routes.