Holy Week Celebration in Alicante, Spain

Credit: Gustavo Morán Chacón / CC BY-SA 3.0

Semana Santa celebrations are some of the most vibrant in the world. Held over a span of eight days from Palm Sunday to Resurrection Sunday, the festivities include pageants and long processions. Large floats (pasos) often adorned with flowers, jewels, and lace, feature figurines of characters depicting scenes from the Bible. 

Fall in love with the Nazareno penitential robes which consists of a tunic and hood-mounted by a Capirote (or conical tip). The floats are paraded through each district by members of the local Catholic Fraternity (or Brotherhood). During the processions, your best way to enjoy them would be to wait along the Rambla de Mendez Nunez either in the morning or evening where you can witness the spectacular parades. The best Semana Santa parades in the city are the processions at 11.30 am on Palm Sunday, 10.30 am on Good Friday and 11.00 am on Easter Sunday.

In Alicante, you will find a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, hostels, and apartments to choose from for your accommodation. However, it would be best to book in advance for a comfortable stay. Also, the festive period is a perfect time to enjoy the cuisine of Alicante. So relish the special Easter cake called La Mona de Pascua, and the local delicacies of fish and rice. And you cannot miss out on the lamb, which is a popular choice for Easter Sunday dinner.