Along the Costa Blanca and beyond, the Holy Week festivities are celebrated with impressive processions, centuries-old traditions and unique productions. While some processions impress with their solemn silence, others focus on elaborately designed figures of saints, rousing music or symbolic rituals.
We present ten Easter events worth seeing in the neighbourhood and beyond - from traditional processions with centuries of history to unique customs that are extraordinary in their form and effect.
Orihuela is one of the most important religious centres in the region and is known for its impressive Easter processions. The city has been recognised by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage site for its Semana Santa traditions.
The speciality:
▶ The „Procesión del Silencio“ (Procession of Silence) on Good Friday: in absolute silence, the brotherhoods parade through the old town with their artistically designed figures of saints - an intense experience.
Palm Sunday: one of the largest parades in the region, with elaborately woven palms.
▶ Maundy Thursday: Over 8,000 participants accompany the impressive Passion figures.
Service tip: If you want to experience the „Procession of Silence“, you should secure a place in the old town centre of Orihuela well in advance. The moment when the light of the torches illuminates the procession route is particularly impressive.
Alongside the traditional processions, the Romería de la Santa Faz is one of the most outstanding Easter events in Alicante. This pilgrimage takes place on the second Thursday after Easter and attracts over 200,000 participants every year.
The speciality:
▶ The pilgrimage leads eight kilometres from the city centre to the Santa Faz monastery
▶ The participants wear traditional scarves („pañoleta“) as a symbol of faith
▶ The destination of the pilgrimage is one of the most important relics in Spain - a cloth with the alleged face of Christ
Visitor tip:
Comfortable shoes and an early arrival are advisable - there are numerous refreshment stands along the route.
Elche, known for its historic palm gardens, holds one of the most moving Good Friday processions.
Why is it special?
▶ The procession takes place in complete silence - accompanied only by the beating of drums.
▶ The famous figure of „Cristo de Zalamea“ is carried through the narrow streets on the shoulders of the porters.
▶ Many believers walk barefoot as a sign of repentance.
Service tip:
Visitors should position themselves early in the Plaza de Santa María to get the best view.
Alicante offers a variety of processions, but one of the most impressive is the nightly „Procesión del Cristo Cautivo“ on Maundy Thursday.
The speciality:
▶ The statue of the bound Christ is carried through the old town centre in the dark, accompanied only by lantern light and silent prayers.
▶ The silence is occasionally interrupted by choral singing, which creates a mystical atmosphere.
Service tip:
The best vantage points are around the Concatedral de San Nicolás and the old town streets.
The Sunday procession in Denia is one of the most emotional moments of Easter week.
Why should you experience it?
▶ Two separate processions - one with Christ, one with the Virgin Mary - move through the city.
▶ The statues meet ceremoniously on the main square, accompanied by the ringing of bells and applause.
Service tip:
As the procession starts early in the morning, it is a good idea to visit one of the cafés in the harbour afterwards to try the traditional „Mona de Pascua“ pastries.
Those who are prepared to travel a little further should not miss the „Tamborada“ in Hellín (province of Albacete) - an event that can hardly be compared in its intensity with the processions on the Costa Blanca.
The speciality:
▶ Thousands of drummers accompany the Good Friday procession through the city.
▶ The thundering sound of the drums creates a unique, intoxicating atmosphere.
Service tip:
A visit is particularly worthwhile on the night of Good Friday, when the city is filled with the sound of drums.
Valencia, famous for its Fallas, also puts on an impressive show during Semana Santa.
Why should you visit them?
▶ One of the most spectacular processions takes place in the historic neighbourhood of El Cabanyal.
▶ The ornate Baroque figures are particularly worth seeing.
Service tip:
The processions in Valencia can be easily combined with a visit to the historic city centre or the City of Arts and Sciences.
The symbolic burial of Christ takes place in Jávea on Good Friday.
Organisation of the celebrations:
▶ The statue is carried through the streets in an elaborately decorated coffin.
▶ Thousands of believers accompany the procession with candles.
▶ A choir sings traditional laments that intensify the atmosphere.
Visitor tip:
The best place to watch the procession is near the church of San Bartolomé.
While most Easter processions are slow and solemn, Callosa de Segura breaks with this tradition: on Easter Sunday, the figures are carried through the streets at a run.
What is happening here?
▶ The statues of the resurrected Christ and the Virgin Mary come from various churches.
▶ Both figures meet in a central square - then the running begins!
▶ The bearers set the figures of saints in motion to express the joy of the resurrection.
Service tip:
This procession is particularly family-friendly and offers a lively, cheerful alternative to the classic parades.
In Torrevieja, the Easter processions are a central part of the year. The Good Friday procession, which takes place in absolute silence, is particularly impressive. On Easter Sunday, however, the city is transformed into a festival of joy as the resurrection procession makes its way through the streets.
Visitor tip:
▶ Where to watch? The best view is along the Paseo Vista Alegre.
▶ When to arrive? At least 45 minutes before the start.
An Easter experience full of tradition and variety
The Easter processions on the Costa Blanca offer an impressive range - from the solemn silence in Orihuela to the symbolic encounters in Denia and the energetic „carreritas“ in Callosa de Segura. Those who get involved in Semana Santa will experience living history, cultural identity and a unique atmosphere during one of the most moving weeks of the year.
Equipped with the right tips, your visit will not only be impressive, but also easy to plan - an unforgettable experience between tradition and emotion.