Penitents carrying candles during Easter Week in Orihuela © Rafa Pérez and others. Patronato de Turismo de la Costa Blanca
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Festivity of International Tourist InterestDates
Apr 2, 2023 to Apr 9, 2023Telephone966744089
E-mailjuntamayor@semanasantaorihuela.com
Spectacular and popular, with extraordinary artistic wealth, thanks to statues by sculptors like Salzillo. This is Easter week in Orihuela, Alicante province.
The origins of these celebrations date back to the 16th century. Among the many events that take place, special mention should be made of the Silencio procession. It takes place on Good Friday and brings together more than 10,000 people. The procession runs through the old town, and the only sounds to be heard are the steps of the penitents, while the dark night is illuminated only by the lanterns of the participants. In contrast to this is the procession of Holy Saturday morning, known as the Caballero Cubierto (Covered Gentleman): a papal bull states that only one person can wear a hat inside the church. This is an old tradition that lives on to this day in Orihuela.
Easter week is one of the most heartfelt and deep-rooted fiestas celebrated in Spain. This commemoration has centuries of history and tradition, remembering the passion and death of Jesus Christ. The streets of the majority of Spain's cities, towns and villages become the stage for religious fervour and devotion, combining grief and meditation in memory of Christ's death. Music, art and colour come together in magical processions - solemn parades in which crowds of people accompany religious images on their route through the streets.
Very interesting