Are you familiar with Spanish Easter traditions?

Religion is a big part of Spanish life and Easter is the biggest and most important time to celebrate it. Locally known as “Semana Santa'' (The Holy Week) Easter brings family and friends all over the country together to spend time with each other and celebrate Easter in style. Religious processions are the main part of Semana Santa. They go on all week and consist of hundreds, even thousands of people parading through the streets in colorful costumes, carrying huge floats, and mourning the death of Christ. Most of Spain's cities hold their own processions for their communities. They can slightly differ depending on where they are held, but the main idea is always the same. Dressing in traditional clothing is a key part of the Easter celebrations in Spain. 

 

In Spain, Easter involves many days of public holidays. This results in reduced hours and the closing of shops and supermarkets. Some shops and local businesses may be closed entirely for the whole of the holiday, while others may be open for a few hours a day. Cafes, restaurants, bars are generally open for families and friends to gather and celebrate Easter together, though some may have reduced opening hours or be completely closed. 

 

Like for many other festive periods, food is a big part of Easter. Traditionally chocolate eggs are associated with Easter, but in Spain, there are plenty of other Easter treats to enjoy. Arguably the most popular Easter treat in Spain is torrijas. Bread dipped in milk and eggs, pan-fried, and topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or honey. Torrijas are often likened to French toast. Throughout Spain, eating lamb is a long-held tradition, especially on Easter Sunday. La Mona de Pascua is a traditional bun prepared for Easter, especially in the region of Valencia. Traditionally uncles, aunts, godmothers, and grandparents would bake the buns and give them to their nephews and grandchildren, this lovely tradition is slowly going out of fashion and the buns can now be received from anyone. The colorful buns are viewed as the start of spring and warmer weather. 

 

Other traditional Spanish dishes during Easter include sopa de ajo, bueñelos, and hornazo. Hornazo is traditionally eaten on Easter Monday at a festival called “Lunes de Aguas” (Monday of the Waters). Bueñelos, which are also eaten around many parts of the world are fried dough balls made out of potatoes filled often with ham or fish. Most countries give them their own twists. In Spain especially during Easter time, they are covered in sugar and honey perhaps even chocolate. Sopa de ajo is a traditional Spanish stew served on Good Friday. Lastly, perhaps the most popular Easter treat in Spain is Flores de Semana Santa. Literally called “fried flowers” these small treats are tasty and eye-catching. You are sure to find them everywhere throughout Spain as we approach Semana Santa. 

 

More locally to us at Zariko, in the region of Alicante Easter starts well in advance. In Alicante Easter starts on the Friday before Palm Sunday, when the figure of Christ of the Sea arrives at the harbor in a boat escorted by the port police. From the arrival of the Christ of the Sea until Easter Sunday, a total of 28 processions take place throughout the streets of the city. Depending on whereabouts you are in Spain the days for the public holiday may change. For example, Holy Thursday is celebrated and it is a public holiday in Madrid, but in Alicante, it is not always. Opposite to Madrid, Alicante and a few other parts of Spain have a public holiday on Easter Monday. 

 

A week on from Easter another important date in Spain is the day of San Vicente Ferrer. Unlike Easter, San Vicente Ferrer Day is celebrated just in the region of Valencia. San Vicente Ferrer is the patron saint of Valencia. The tradition of celebrating the day dates back all the way to his death in 1419. The day is held in high regard, with it being the most important singular day of the year in Valencia. It is celebrated in style. With parades in the streets, events at church, costumes, and live music, Valencia really put a show on display to honor their great history and their patron saint. If you are in Valencia during this special date, you will be sure to embrace the local culture and get a taste of history. 

We are closed during the Easter holiday on Good Friday (7.4) and Easter Monday (10.4) and also on San Vicente Ferrer Day (17.4). Otherwise, we are open Monday - Friday during normal hours between 9:00-18:00

¡Feliz Semana Santa!