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Holy Week
Semana Santa (Spain / Latin America)
Also called: Holy Week Processions, Procesiones de Semana Santa
5 April 2026
Catholic
Spain's Holy Week observances are among the most dramatic in the world, marked by elaborate public processions (procesiones) organized by religious brotherhoods (cofradías / hermandades). Large floats (pasos) bearing ornate statues of Christ and the Virgin Mary are carried through the streets by costaleros (bearers hidden underneath).
Brotherhoods march in procession wearing distinctive pointed hoods (capirotes) and robes. It usually falls on or around 5 April 2026.
It is especially important in Catholic traditions. Explore pilgrimage holidays — browse options on Eden.
At a glance
- Type
- regional tradition
- Date type
- Moveable (changes with Easter)
- Regions
- Global, Latin America, Philippines
- Themes
- Passion & Death, Resurrection
- Liturgical colour
- Various
Common questions
Semana Santa (Spain is observed on 5 April 2026. Moveable feasts shift each year; fixed feasts stay on the same calendar date.
Spain's Holy Week observances are among the most dramatic in the world, marked by elaborate public processions (procesiones) organized by religious brotherhoods (cofradías / hermandades). Large floats (pasos) bearing ornate statues of Christ and the Virgin Mary are carried through the streets by costaleros (bearers hidden underneath). Brotherhoods march in procession wearing distinctive pointed ho
It is associated with Catholic. It falls in the Holy Week season of the liturgical year.