When & Where: On Holy Week, usually in March or April, in towns such as Bilbao, Balmaseda, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Tudela or Pamplona.
Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is a significant period in the Basque Country and Navarre, marked by religious devotion, cultural traditions, and processions that reflect the region’s deep-rooted Christian heritage. The celebrations blend solemnity and art, attracting both locals and visitors seeking to experience these unique expressions of faith.
Historically, Semana Santa dates back to medieval times, when processions were used to communicate religious narratives to the public. Over the centuries, these events have evolved while retaining their spiritual essence. Today, Holy Week serves as a blend of tradition and cultural identity, featuring parades, rituals, and dramatic representations of the Passion of Christ.
Among the most notable processions in the Basque Country are:
The “ProcesiĆ³n del Santo Entierro” in Bilbao. Held on Good Friday, it features elaborately crafted religious floats, or “pasos,” depicting scenes from the Passion. Participants dressed as penitents, known as “nazarenos,” march in silence, creating a solemn and reflective atmosphere.
The processiones in Balmaseda, Bizkaia, held during Holy Week, are famous for their live reenactments of the Passion of Christ. The highlight is the “Via Crucis Viviente”, performed on Good Friday, where locals portray biblical scenes with great realism and detail. These processions take place in the historic streets of Balmaseda, creating an immersive and emotional experience.
In Vitoria-Gasteiz, the “ProcesiĆ³n de la Soledad” is a highlight, known for its artistic imagery and the poignant portrayal of the Virgin Mary mourning her son. This procession is accompanied by traditional music, enhancing the emotional gravity of the event.
In Navarre, the town of Tudela hosts some of the region’s most striking processions. The “ProcesiĆ³n del Encuentro” symbolizes the meeting of Jesus and his mother on the way to Calvary, and the “Bajada del Angel” is algo a noteworthly spectacle.
Pamplona also celebrates Holy Week with devotion, particularly during the “ProcesiĆ³n del Santo Entierro”, which gathers numerous brotherhoods in a moving display of religious fervor.