Easter vocabulary

Easter on the Costa Blanca is not only marked by impressive processions and religious celebrations, but also by a multitude of specific Spanish terms that are closely linked to local traditions. Here is a selection of typical words that will help you better understand the region's Easter customs...

HOLY WEEK: Holy Week refers to the week before Easter, during which numerous religious events and processions take place.

EasterLiterally „Easter“, a term used in Spain to refer to both
Easter as well as other Christian holidays.

PROCESSIONA procession in which believers walk through the streets.
and often carry statues of saints.
These processions are central elements of the Easter celebrations.

COFRADÍAA brotherhood or religious community responsible for organising the processions.

NAZARENO: Members of the brotherhoods who appear in the processions wearing pointed hoods and long robes.

PASOThe elaborately designed platforms or floats depicting holy figures or scenes from the Passion of Christ.
and carried during the processions.

SAETAA spontaneous, plaintive song performed during processions in honour of holy figures.

TORRIJAA traditional Easter pastry, similar to French toast, consisting of bread soaked in milk or wine, which is then
coated in egg and fried.

Easter MonasA typical Easter pastry, often with a boiled egg in the middle, traditionally given by godparents to their godchildren.

PALM SUNDAY: Palm Sunday, which marks the beginning of Holy Week and commemorates Jesus' entry into Jerusalem.

GOOD FRIDAYGood Friday, commemorating Jesus' death on the cross.

Easter Sunday: Easter Sunday, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is often marked by festive processions and celebrations.

CAPIROTEThe characteristic pointed headgear of the Nazarenos, worn during the processions.

COSTALEROThe bearers of the „Pasos“, who often carry them for hours on end
manoeuvring the heavy platforms through the streets.

CIRIOThe large candles carried during the processions by the
Participants will wear them and they will symbolise the light of Christ.

...These terms reflect the rich tradition and cultural significance of Easter celebrations on the Costa Blanca. A deeper understanding of these words allows you to experience the local customs and the atmosphere associated with them even more intensely. Editorial team