Holy Week in Spain is a melting pot of deep-rooted religious traditions that fill the streets of cities throughout Spain, but it is also a time of disconnection from work and vacations. Holidays in which there is space to enjoy the culture and essence of Spain beyond the processions and ceremonies. This time of year offers a wide range of free cultural activities that invite residents and tourists alike to immerse themselves in the historical and artistic wealth of the different corners of the country.
Madrid: visit to the sets of great series
The Madrid City Council has created two guides in which they invite us to visit the settings of the most iconic series that have been filmed in the capital in recent years. The Paper House, The Cable Girls, The Ministry of Time, Valeria, Paquita Salas or Patria, among others, have been recorded in hotels, venues, parks, theaters, parks, squares and streets of the city. The routes are A Madrid out of series and Madrid through the series.
In addition, during Holy Week there will be many museums open with free admission, such as the Contemporary Art Museum, the San Isidro Museum or the History Museum. You can also access the Spanish Theater in Madrid, the oldest in Europe (1583).
Barcelona: opera Saturdays
Every Saturday in March and April, the Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel allows you to enjoy a live opera show at 8:30 p.m. This “experience can be completed with the tasting of a snack accompanied by a drink from our menu, or extended with dinner in our restaurant” as indicated on the event website. An option to enjoy a different afternoon of Holy Week in Barcelona.
Valencia: cultural plans
The Valencia City Council organizes different guided tours through its historic and most emblematic buildings to learn about the history of the city. Some of them are the exhibitions in the History Museum, with free admission on Sundays and holidays, a visit to the Air Raid Shelter or the Muslim wall. The photographic exhibition ‘La Valencia que fue’ is also free to access, which takes us on a tour of the city and its surroundings, from the late 50s to the late 80s of the 20th century.
Toledo: visit to the museums
The city of Toledo is one where the Holy Week liturgies are most experienced outside of Andalusia, but during the holidays you can do many more activities. One of them is the guided tours and night routes to get to know the city, which do have a cost. You also have to pay 10 euros to see the Cathedral (it is free from Monday to Friday, except holidays, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., through the Clock Gate). There are eight free museums that can be visited, such as El Greco, Moro, the Army in the Alcázar or Santa Cruz, among others.
Bilbao: 175 activities at Basque Fest
The Bilbao City Council has scheduled concerts, Herri Kirolak tests, gastronomic tastings and workshops, pilgrimages, film sessions and proposals for children in the streets of the town. An appointment with Basque culture on March 27 to 31 through six themes – Gourmet, Kultura, Musika, Market, Zinema and Sport – that span 30 different spaces. 308 restaurants, bars, shops and specialized stores participate in Basque Bilbao Fest for a total of 175 activities.
Cáceres: Holy Week Market
From March 19 to 31, Avenida de España and Paseo de Cánovas will host a market organized by the ACAC – Association of Artisans and Merchants of Cáceres. You can enjoy 38 wooden booths where you can buy crafts and food products, and enjoy daily entertainment. On the last day there will be free inflatables for visitors.
Ciudad Real: Ruidera Medieval Market
From March 27 to 31, in the Ruidera Church Park, you can visit a medieval market that will transport all visitors to another era. There will be street performances, craft stalls, medieval attractions, a children’s play center and food stalls.
Granada: visit to the Alhambra Museum
There is a cost to enter the Palace, but the museum is free. It occupies the South wing of the ground floor and is distributed in seven rooms dedicated to Hispanic-Muslim culture and art. It was created in 1870 and in 1994 it was attached to the Board of Trustees of the Alhambra and Generalife. A great experience idea to add to the processions and religious traditions that mark the city’s agenda during Holy Week. There is also no cost for visits to the Federico García Lorca Center, the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts or the Casa de los Tiros, among others.
Salamanca: climb to the Cathedral towers
It is one of the university cities par excellence in Spain, historical-architectural heritage of Spain and is considered of International Tourist Interest. During Holy Week, in addition to religious activities, you can visit the towers of the Cathedral (Ieronimus) for free on Sunday afternoons from 5 to 7 p.m. In addition, they have free access to the Unamuno House Museum, the Monterrey Palace, the Cerro de San Vicente, the Casa Lis, the Old Salmantica Castrorum wall or the Da2 (Domus Artium 2002).
Huelva: ‘Historical route of Holy Week. Brothers’ Roots
In 2024, Huelva City Council launches an initiative to publicize the city’s heritage through free guided tours. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the history of the different brotherhoods, the Tartessos Hotel, the Sisters of the Cross, the church of Santa María de la Esperanza, the church of the Santísimo Cristo de la Misericordia, the church of the Concepción, the parish . mayor of San Pedro and the Ermita de la Soledad.
