Spain is internationally recognized for its rich tradition and culture, the importance placed on family celebrations. Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is a customary celebration that is extravagantly celebrated throughout Spain. Similar to the U.S. Spring Break, Semana Santa implies a weeklong vacation for students. It is the week preceding Easter Sunday and consists of Palm Sunday, Ash Wednesday, Holy Thursday, and Good Friday. However, rather than taking this week to travel south and party with friends, this week in Spain is spent relaxing with family and partaking in Catholic rooted festivities. Whether or not each family is truly religious,
(photo credit: www.espaaescultura-tbn.es)
Semana Santa is about gathering family and friends together in the streets to reflect and enjoy these extraordinary processions.
(photo credit:www.lagacetadesalamanca.es)
During Semana Santa festivities occur all over Spain. The elaborate processions retell the story of Christs suffering and often reflect a feeling of sadness and repentant sorrow.
The biggest and most impressive processions take place in Andaluca especially in Sevilla, Mlaga, and Granada.
However, Spaniards from the north of Spain would argue that the more traditional Semana Santa celebrations take place in the region Castilla y Len.Salamancalocated at the heart of Castilla y Leon, provides a full calendar of events to attend. See calendar and schedule of events in Salamanca here! Students studying abroad in Salamanca have the opportunity to witness first hand important cultural concepts learned in the classroom.
Nearby cities, throughout Castilla y LenZamora, Valladolid, vila, and Segovia also host Semana Santa events. To see Semana Santa events all over Castilla y Len, check out this link