Easter in Galicia: A Unique and Vibrant Celebration

Easter, or “Semana Santa” in Spanish, is a time of deep religious significance. Although Spain celebrates it in its own particular manner, there are a series of processions and rituals that are unique to Galicia.

NOTE: Easter is especially popular in Andalucía, in the south of Spain. Choose Via de la Plata as your Camino route if you’d like to discover what Semana Santa in Seville is like. You won’t be disappointed!

The north of Spain celebrates Easter in a different, often more modest, more intimate way. There are of course some deep-rooted traditions that are still worth the visit. Head to Zamora, León or Valladolid for these!

Meanwhile, Easter in Galicia is a unique and vibrant celebration of the religious traditions and cultural heritage of this fascinating region of Spain. Each Easter tradition in Galicia is a powerful symbol of the deep religious devotion and cultural pride of the people of this region. Cities like Ferrol or Betanzos are great to live Spanish Easter first handed.

Other traditions in Galicia come mix Catholicism with pagan traditions, making these dates a wonderful way to see how they both relate and drink from each others history.

A Quema do Judas (The Burning of the Judas)

One of the most distinctive Easter traditions in Galicia is the burning of the Judas, or Quema do Judas in Galician. This tradition takes place on the Saturday before Easter Sunday and involves the construction of an effigy of Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus. The effigy is often made from straw or other combustible materials and is dressed in old clothes.

The Quema do Judas is a symbolic representation of the punishment that Judas received for betraying Jesus. The effigy is paraded through the streets of towns and villages across Galicia before being burned in a public square. The burning of the Judas is accompanied by fireworks and other festivities, and it is meant to symbolize the triumph of good over evil.

The Tamborrada

Another important Easter tradition in Galicia is the Tamborrada, a drumming procession that takes place on Easter Sunday. The Tamborrada is organized by religious brotherhoods or cofradías and involves the carrying of drums and other percussion instruments through the streets. The participants wear traditional clothing and move in unison to the sound of the drums, creating a powerful and rhythmic atmosphere.

The Tamborrada is meant to symbolize the sorrow and grief of the Virgin Mary at the crucifixion of her son, Jesus. The drumming procession is a way for the people of Galicia to express their deep religious devotion and to honor the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

O Arrastre dos Cacharros (The Dragging of the Pots)

The Arrastre dos Cacharros, or the dragging of the pots, is a tradition that takes place on Easter Sunday in many towns and villages across Galicia. This tradition involves dragging old pots and pans through the streets, creating a loud and raucous noise. The Arrastre dos Cacharros is meant to drive away the evil spirits and negative energy that may be lurking in the town or village, and it is a way for the people of Galicia to come together and celebrate the end of Holy Week.

O Santo Entierro (Holy Burial)

The Santo Entierro, or Holy Burial, is a solemn procession that takes place on Good Friday in many towns and villages across Galicia. The procession involves the carrying of the pasos, or floats, that depict the death of Jesus and the mourning of his followers. The participants in the procession are often dressed in black, and the atmosphere is somber and reflective. The Santo Entierro is a powerful reminder of the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross, and it is a way for the people of Galicia to come together and honor this important event in their religious tradition.

The Botafumeiro

Perhaps the most famous of all the Easter traditions in Galicia is the Botafumeiro. This giant incense burner is swung from the ceiling of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela during the religious services that take place throughout Holy Week. El Botafumeiro has been a part of the service in the Cathedral of Santiago since the 11th Century and is still used today.  The Botafumeiro is an impressive sight, measuring over a meter in height and weighing more than 50 kilograms.

If you happen to be in Santiago de Compostela during these days, know that some of the Easter processions take place at nighttime when all the streets are lit by candles and torchlight. The unique medieval experience is not only beautiful to look at but has a great sense of spirituality too.

Holy Week on the Camino

If you happen to be on the Camino de Santiago during these festivities, don’t hesitate to join the spirited adventure of Easter on the Camino and participate in the jolly celebrations.

It doesn’t matter whether you are on Camino for a religious walk or on a hiking trip; the whole week of Easter on the Camino is filled with impressive sights that will leave you in awe.