Spain’s Mediterranean coast transforms during Easter week—and in Torrevieja, Semana Santa (Holy Week) is celebrated with a heartfelt blend of religious devotion, cultural tradition, and vibrant community spirit. For both locals and visitors, it offers an immersive experience into authentic Spanish life.
Key Easter Dates in Torrevieja (2025)
- Palm Sunday (Domingo de Ramos): April 13
- Holy Thursday (Jueves Santo): April 17
- Good Friday (Viernes Santo): April 18
- Easter Sunday (Domingo de Resurrección): April 20
The Power of the Processions
At the heart of Semana Santa are the moving processions. These are more than religious rituals—they are powerful public displays of devotion and culture. Traditional music, detailed religious floats (pasos), and centuries-old customs bring the Passion of Christ to life in a spectacular fashion that draws thousands into the streets.
Historical Roots
Semana Santa processions trace back to 14th-century Spain and gained prominence during the Counter-Reformation. In Torrevieja, they’ve evolved with influences from nearby Murcia and Cartagena, where Baroque-style pageantry is known for its dramatic and emotional impact. Many local cofradías (brotherhoods) continue these traditions, preserving the spiritual and artistic identity of the region.
More Than Religion: A Cultural Experience
Semana Santa in Torrevieja is also a festive celebration of Spanish life—filled with music, family gatherings, and traditional food. The town comes alive, making it an ideal time for international residents and visitors to connect more deeply with local customs. Whether you’re joining a procession, attending mass, or enjoying the lively streets, the Easter season offers an enriching and authentic cultural experience.
Highlights of Torrevieja’s Semana Santa 2025
Palm Sunday Procession – April 13
- Start: Inmaculada Concepción Church, 12 PM
- Route: Plaza de la Constitución → Calle Ramón Gallud → Calle Patricio Pérez → Calle Caballero de Rodas → Return
- Duration: ~2 hours
This vibrant parade features participants carrying palm and olive branches, recalling Christ’s entry into Jerusalem. Woven palm decorations are cherished and often kept all year.
Good Friday Procession – April 18
- Start: Inmaculada Concepción Church, 7:30 PM
- Route: Plaza de la Constitución → Calle Ramón Gallud → Calle Caballero de Rodas → Avenida de los Marineros → Return
- Duration: ~4 hours
The most solemn and significant procession, including all of Torrevieja’s cofradías. The highlight is the Cristo de la Expiración, a revered 17th-century sculpture carried only on this night.
Easter Sunday Procession – April 20
- Start: Inmaculada Concepción Church, 1 PM
- Route: Plaza de la Constitución → Calle Ramón Gallud → Paseo Vista Alegre → Return
- Duration: ~2 hours
A joyful celebration of the Resurrection. The emotional climax is the Encuentro, where the risen Christ meets the Virgin Mary in the square—accompanied by doves, flower petals, and applause.
Semana Santa in Orihuela: Art, Silence & Tradition
Orihuela’s Easter celebrations are renowned for their artistic richness and deep tradition, with roots dating back to the 16th century. Sculptures by Salzillo and others grace the processions, which are both religious and cultural spectacles.
Good Friday – El Silencio Procession
- Start: Iglesia de Santiago, 11:00 PM
- A silent and solemn procession through Orihuela’s old town, attended by over 10,000 people. Only the sound of footsteps and flickering lanterns break the silence. A haunting 18th-century chant, the Canto de la Pasión, is performed as Christ passes.
Easter Saturday – Caballero Cubierto (April 19, 2025)
- Start: Cathedral of Orihuela, 8:00 PM
- Unique due to the papal bull allowing only one person—the “Covered Knight”—to wear a hat in church. Preceded by a formal reception at the Universidad Histórica de Orihuela, this year’s honour goes to Dr. Amadeo Valoria Martínez, a respected psychiatrist and community figure.
Easter Sunday Procession – April 20
- Parade: 10:30 AM | Procession: 11:30 AM
- Route: Plaza de la Constitución → Calle Mayor → Cathedral of Orihuela
Organized by the Hermandad de la Resurrección, this joyful finale celebrates the Resurrection with full community participation.
Easter Celebrations Across the Vega Baja Region
Other towns in the Vega Baja region mark Holy Week with unique, heartfelt traditions—often more focused on local church services and community events than grand processions:
- San Fulgencio
- Good Friday: Solemn religious services
- Easter Sunday: Festive resurrection processions
- Callosa de Segura
- Procession of the Holy Cross: Devotees carry large wooden crosses through the streets in an act of penance and faith.
- Rojales
- La Pasión Viviente: A live reenactment of the Passion of Christ, involving the entire community and drawing large crowds.
- Pilar de la Horadada
- Easter Fair: A cultural celebration featuring traditional music, dance, and local gastronomy.
Semana Santa remains one of Spain’s most heartfelt and deeply-rooted festivals. With traditions stretching back centuries, it transforms cities, towns, and villages into scenes of solemn devotion and collective reflection. Whether you’re drawn by faith, culture, or curiosity, Easter week in the Costa Blanca offers an unforgettable experience of Spanish life and spirit.
