Experiencing Semana Santa in Barcelona

There is something special about Easter Week (Semana Santa) in Barcelona. The city is alive with vibrant colour as the sunlight returns to the streets, bathing it in warmth.

 

Blossom hangs from the trees as locals and visitors alike celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter is a truly marvellous time to visit the great city of Barcelona.

Processions and parades

Spain is a devout Catholic country and Easter is a huge event on the religious calender. Semana Santa starts on Palm Sunday when women with huge palm leaves parade through the streets of Barcelona. This year Semana Santa in Spain runs from 13 – 21 April. In Barcelona, as in most Spanish towns and cities, a large and flamboyant procession will make its way around the streets, marking the beginning of the week’s festivities.

Asides colourful processions and parades, Holy Week brings out the artisan in the chocolate makers of the city. There are vast displays of all manner of interesting items made from chocolate in shop windows and on stalls by the side of the roads. Naturally, the Spanish children love the chocolate aspect of the celebrations, a tradition which bears similarity to British kids and their Easter eggs.

The Feast of Sant Jordi

When it comes to partying and celebrations, Spain doesn’t do things by half. Even after Easter is finished and the revelry is thought by many a tourist to be at an end, yet another festival is waiting just two days after Easter Monday. In Catalonia this festival is known as the Feast of Sant Jordi. Many Catalans treat this special day as another St. Valentine’s Day, giving their loved ones’ gifts. Traditionally the women are given roses by the men whilst the men receive books from the women.

Here in England we share the same patron saint as Catalonia. Perhaps it would be a good idea to hand out books and roses as the Catalans do?