Semana Santa (Easter) is one of the major religious holidays in Spain, a country where 98% of the population are born into the Catholic faith.
If you wish to walk the Camino de Santiago for religious reasons, aside from St James Day held on the 25th July, then you’ll find Easter week to be one of the most religious weeks of the Camino de Santiago season.
In true Spanish fashion, Semana Santa is an elaborate affair usually lasting for around five days beginning on Wednesday before Easter Sunday.
The Churches of every town and city participate in parades throughout the old towns where thrones are carried through the streets, swaying from side to side, on the shoulders of the chosen men from each congregation. Solemn music often accompanies the thrones,
The parades go on for hours usually ending around 3.00 in the morning. Indeed, I have witnessed Semana Santa in many Spanish cities and the experience can be a little intense yet it is a wonderful way to experience a Spanish cultural event steeped in religious traditions.
The only downside to Easter week is the sheer number of pilgrims who walk the Camino de Santiago and arrive at the Cathedral on Easter Saturday and Sunday, For this reason, I highly recommend you book your accommodation in advance.
If you plan to walk the Camino de Santiago and need a little helping hand preparing for your journey, why not let me take care of the mundane, leaving you to enjoy the magic? I offer Camino Itinerary Planning on all Camino de Santiago routes.
Want to learn more about the Camino de Santiago? Check out my book, A Wild Woman’s Guide To The Camino de Santiago. I share everything you need to know before you begin your Camino. Read at A Wild Woman’s Guide To The Camino De Santiago or click the link below.
(c) Samantha Wilson 2019. All Rights Reserved.
