Holy Week in Seville: processions, incense and silence

Holy Week (Semana Santa) in Seville is one of Spain's most moving religious celebrations. For a week, around 60 brotherhoods carry ornate floats with sculptures of Christ and the Virgin from their churches to the cathedral, followed by thousands of robed penitents.

Fun facts

• The floats, called pasos, are carried by teams of costaleros hidden underneath them.
• Penitents known as nazarenos wear tall pointed hoods and walk in silence.
• The most famous night is the Madrugá, from Thursday into Good Friday.

What to see

• The processions on the Carrera Oficial leading into the cathedral.
• The Esperanza de Triana crossing the Triana bridge at dawn.
• The Basílica de la Macarena and its revered image of the Virgin.

What to taste

• Torrijas, bread soaked in milk or wine, fried and coated in honey or sugar.
• Espinacas con garbanzos, spinach with chickpeas, a classic Lenten tapa.
• Pestiños, fried pastries glazed with honey and sesame.

What to do

• Listen for saetas, flamenco prayers sung from balconies as a float passes.
• Use a procession app or printed timetable to plan your routes.
• Visit the cathedral and climb the Giralda tower.

💡 Tip: Seville airport has an express bus to the city. Streets close for processions, so allow plenty of time to cross the centre, and book hotels months ahead.