Holy Week in Zamora: history, tradition and devotion
 

Tradition, history, devotion and emotions go hand in hand during Holy Week in Zamora, a festival that dates back to the thirteenth century that has been declared an International Tourist Attraction. So what are you waiting for to discover it for yourself?

Processions in Zamora

17 brotherhoods and more than 40 processions come together to celebrate Holy Week each year in Zamora, with the entire city getting involved during this 10-day unique event. From Friday of Sorrows to Easter Sunday, processions, some dating back to the seventeenth century, take to the streets with solemnity and devotion for spectators to enjoy.

Did you know that Holy Week in Zamora boasts two types of processions? That's right! Locals celebrate daytime processions and nighttime processions. The former are brighter and are accompanied by music, while the latter are a time of silence, sobriety and reflection.

Holy Week in Zamora is so important that it even has its own museum! This is a unique place in Spain where the floats paraded during the processions are preserved and exhibited to the public. Located in the city centre, it is the most visited museum in Zamora. If you are a fan of Easter, you can't miss it.
 

Do you know which are the most important processions in Zamora? No need to worry! We'll let you in on this secret.

  • The first procession you have to see is the procession on Holy Thursday known locally as "Procesión de las Capas". This sees hundreds of people dressed in capes and carrying lanterns in the dead of night. It is impressive to see their solemnity as they walk through the streets, accompanied by the music of the drum and bugles.
  • Another procession you cannot miss is on Good Friday, known as "El Entierro". It represents the moment when Christ is taken to the tomb, and sadness and mourning are present in each of the floats that are paraded through the city. An emotional experience!
  • However, the most famous procession takes place on Easter Sunday, known as "La Procesión del Encuentro". Here, images of the risen Christ and the Virgin Mary come together in one of the city's squares and a celebration is held with music and cheers. It represents one of the most emotional moments of Holy Week in Zamora!
  • And finally, we cannot forget the "Procesión de Resurrección". This procession takes place on the morning of Easter Sunday and is known for being one of the most festive and joyful. This procession sees the streets of Zamora filled with colour and music to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus.  


Music during Holy Week in Zamora

Music plays an undisputed leading role during Holy Week in Zamora. Choirs and bands often participate in the processions to raise the tone.

In this sense, one of the most emotional and symbolic musical moments is when the Misere is sung by the more than 200 voices that make up the choir of the Penitent Brotherhood of Jesus Yacente, on Holy Thursday, when the Procesión del Jesús Yacente comes to an end.

So now you know! Holy Week is the perfect time of year to get see Zamora for yourself, enjoying it at its peak and in all its splendour.

How to travel to Zamora by train with Renfe

Have we convinced you to visit Zamora in Holy Week? We're sure we have! So remember, if you want to travel in the fastest, most comfortable and sustainable way, at Renfe we make everything easy for you with our AVE and Larga Distancia (long distance high-speed) trains. Consult our routes. Step on board!