Holy Week in Andalusia: Passion, Processions, and Tradition

Every element of this celebration carries deep meaning and centuries of tradition in Andalusia:

• The Capirote: the pointed hood worn by penitents or nazarenos, a symbol of penance.
• The Mantilla: an elegant black lace veil worn by women to symbolize mourning and respect.
• The Pasos: breathtaking religious floats displaying scenes from the Passion, carried on the shoulders of costaleros.
• The Saetas: moving religious songs sung from balconies or streetside as the floats pass.
• The Scents of Wax and Incense: an unmistakable, sensory element that accompanies every procession.

Unique Processions You Shouldn’t Miss

Andalusia is home to some of the most striking and unique processions in Spain. Here are three you can’t miss:

1️⃣ Cristo de los Gitanos (Granada)

Winding through the historic Sacromonte neighborhood, with bonfires and flamenco performances, this procession stands out for its festive spirit and deep connection to Granada’s gypsy community.

2️⃣ Cristo de la Buena Muerte (Málaga)

Famous for its link to the Spanish Legion. The legionnaires carry the image of Christ of Mena while singing the moving military hymn El Novio de la Muerte, creating one of the most powerful moments of Málaga’s Holy Week.

👉 Watch it here: Cristo de la Buena Muerte

3️⃣ Procession to the Ermita de los Verdiales (Málaga)

A celebration that blends religious devotion with traditional folk music. Accompanied by verdiales, one of Andalusia’s oldest musical forms, this Palm Sunday procession is a uniquely joyful experience.

San Roque: Centuries of Passion and Devotion

In San Roque (Cádiz), Holy Week holds a particularly special place. Good Friday is the most important day, when ancient religious images — some originally venerated in Gibraltar before the fall of the Rock — process through the historic town center.

The Magna Procession, declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest in Andalusia, is a stirring display of devotion, passion, and tradition, bringing together locals and visitors from all over.

The Flavors of Lent: Andalusia’s Holy Week Cuisine

Andalusian cuisine during Holy Week reflects centuries of history, religious tradition, and Moorish influence. During this time, meat consumption is traditionally avoided, making way for fish, vegetable, and legume-based dishes.

📍 Typical Dishes by Province:

• Almería: potaje de vigilia (Lenten stew) and salt cod fritters.
• Cádiz: cod with tomato and Jerez wine-soaked torrijas.
• Córdoba: chickpea and spinach stew and fried dough rings.
• Granada: ajobacalao (garlic cod spread) and honey-drizzled pestiños.
• Huelva: fried cod with tomato and Easter pastries.
• Jaén: bacalao a la baezana and hornazo (savory meat pie, eaten after Easter).
• Málaga: borrachuelos (pastries soaked in syrup) and Lenten stew.
• Seville: torrijas, chickpea stew, and cod with tomato.

📌 Sweets with Moorish Influence:

Confections like pestiños, doughnuts, and torrijas, made with honey, sesame, and almonds, are essential at Andalusian tables during Holy Week.

Experience Holy Week in Andalusia

If you want to truly immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind cultural and spiritual experience, don’t miss Andalusia’s processions, cuisine, and the passion that fills the streets during Holy Week.

👉 Discover more in this video: Holy Week in Andalusia

Thinking of experiencing it for yourself?
Start planning your trip — Andalusia awaits with open arms and a tradition that will move you from the very first moment.