Holy Week in Seville 2026: Complete Guide with Dates, Must-See Processions and Practical Tips

Holy Week in Seville in 2026 promises to be an unforgettable experience. This year, from March 29 to April 5, 2026, the city will transform into the setting for one of the most impressive religious celebrations in the world. This complete guide will help you plan your visit, discover the must-see processions, and find the best places to stay in the heart of Seville.

La Esperanza de Triana crossing the bridge, one of the most emotional moments of Holy Week in Seville

1. Key Dates and Their Significance in Holy Week 2026

Holy Week 2026 in Seville runs from March 29 (Palm Sunday) to April 5 (Easter Sunday). Each day has special significance:

• Palm Sunday (March 29): Commemorates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The most notable processions include La Borriquita and La Paz.
• Holy Monday (March 30): Features Cristo de la Buena Muerte and Nuestra Señora del Socorro.
• Holy Tuesday (March 31): El Señor de Sevilla and María Santísima de la Antigua process through the historic center.
• Holy Wednesday (April 1): The processions of Las Penas and El Baratillo mark this day of reflection.
• Maundy Thursday (April 2): Remembers the Last Supper, with brotherhoods such as El Silencio and La Carretería.
• Good Friday (April 3): The most dramatic and emotional day, featuring Gran Poder, La Macarena, and Esperanza de Triana.
• Holy Saturday (April 4): A day of contemplation with the Holy Burial procession.
• Easter Sunday (April 5): Joyful celebration of the Risen Christ.

2. The Most Popular Processions: An Essential Guide

La Macarena

Seville's most popular procession departs on Good Friday from the Basilica de la Macarena. The Virgin of Hope Macarena, with her sorrowful expression and gold crown, walks the streets accompanied by thousands of faithful. Practical tip: Arrive early at the Basilica (before 11:00 PM) to secure a good spot.

El Gran Poder

The Lord of Gran Poder is Seville's most venerated image. Its Good Friday dawn procession (known as "la Madrugá") is a moment of intense religious emotion. The departure from the Basilica del Gran Poder around midnight is one of the most anticipated moments.

La Esperanza de Triana

The passage of the Virgin of Hope across the Triana Bridge is one of the most emotional and photographed moments. The procession departs on Good Friday and crosses the Guadalquivir River back to its home neighborhood, creating a unique atmosphere.

Los Gitanos

The Brotherhood of Los Gitanos processes on Maundy Thursday with the Christ of the Gypsies and the Virgin of Anguish. It's known for its flamenco fervor and the massive participation of Seville's gypsy community.

El Cachorro

The Christ of Expiration, known as "El Cachorro", is the work of sculptor Francisco Antonio Ruiz Gijón. His agony on the cross represents one of the most dramatic moments of the Passion.

3. Where to Stay During Holy Week: The Best Neighborhoods

Santa Cruz Quarter

The heart of the old town, with narrow streets and charming squares. Advantages: Proximity to the Cathedral, official procession route, authentic atmosphere. The neighborhood's boutique hotels offer privileged views and direct access to the processions.

Triana

Seville's most flamenco and traditional neighborhood, across the Guadalquivir. Ideal for: Experiencing Holy Week from a local perspective, enjoying authentic tapas, and living the neighborhood's passion for its Esperanza.

Historic Center (Alfalfa, Arenal)

Central area with excellent connectivity. Perfect for those who want to be close to everything: processions, restaurants, shops, and main monuments.

Why Choose Sevilla Hotels Collection

Our boutique hotels are strategically located in the most emblematic neighborhoods:

• Sevilla Hotels Collection: We offer a unique experience with boutique hotels in privileged locations.
• Hotel Boutique Casas de Santa Cruz: In the heart of Santa Cruz, steps from the official route.
• Halo Boutique Hotel: Contemporary design in a central location.
• Apartamentos Boutique Vida: Apartments with full kitchen for greater flexibility.

4. Practical Tips for Experiencing Holy Week

Planning and Reservations

• Book in advance: Hotels in Seville fill up months ahead. March and April are peak season.
• Check official itineraries: The Council of Brotherhoods publishes schedules and routes.
• Estimated time: Each procession lasts 8-12 hours. Plan with patience.

What to Bring

• Comfortable shoes (you'll walk a lot on cobblestones)
• Appropriate clothing (nights can be cool)
• Water and snacks (few shops open during processions)
• Camera or smartphone with charged battery

Etiquette and Respect

• Keep silent when the paso passes
• Don't cross between the paso and the nazarenos
• Respect the saetas (spontaneous flamenco songs)
• Dress respectfully (avoid overly casual clothing)

5. Sevillian Gastronomy During Holy Week

Traditional Dishes

Holy Week has its own gastronomy:

• Torrijas: The star dessert, made with bread, milk, egg, and cinnamon
• Potaje de vigilia: Chickpea stew with spinach and cod
• Cod with tomato: Traditional for Good Friday
• Pestiños and borrachuelos: Fried sweets with honey
• Roscos fritos: Perfect accompaniment to coffee or chocolate

Where to Eat

The bars of Triana, Alfalfa, and Arenal offer the best tapas. Recommendation: Try tapas at El Rinconcillo (Seville's oldest bar, since 1670).

6. Beyond the Processions: What to Visit in Seville

Essential Monuments

• The Cathedral and La Giralda: World Heritage Site, the world's largest Gothic cathedral
• Real Alcázar: Mudéjar palace with exotic gardens
• Plaza de España: Masterpiece of Andalusian regionalism
• María Luisa Park: Ideal for resting between processions
• Torre del Oro: Ancient watchtower by the Guadalquivir

Unique Experiences

• Guadalquivir river boat ride at sunset
• Flamenco show in an authentic tablao
• Visit to the Metropol Parasol for panoramic views
• Tour of the brotherhood house-museums

7. Practical Information and Transportation

Getting to Seville

• Plane: Seville-San Pablo Airport (15 km from center). EA bus connects with downtown in 35 minutes
• Train: Santa Justa Station with AVE connections from Madrid (2.5h), Barcelona (5.5h), and Málaga (2h)
• Car: Well connected by motorways A-4, A-49, and A-66. Note: Parking downtown is difficult during Holy Week.

Getting Around Seville

• On foot: The best option. The historic center is compact and pedestrian
• Metro: Line 1 connects main areas (doesn't run 24h)
• Bus: Extensive network but limited during processions
• Taxi/VTC: Available but with higher fares and traffic cuts
• Bicycle: Sevici (public bikes) is an option outside procession times

Weather in March-April

Temperatures between 12°C (nights) and 22°C (days). Possibility of rain. Bring layered clothing and a compact umbrella.

8. Essential Holy Week Vocabulary

• Paso: Platform with religious images carried by costaleros
• Costalero: Person who carries the paso under the platform
• Nazareno: Penitent with tunic and capirote accompanying the procession
• Capirote: Pointed conical hood
• Hermandad/Cofradía: Religious organization that organizes each procession
• Saeta: Devotional flamenco song sung spontaneously
• Madrugá: Night of Thursday to Good Friday, culminating moment
• Palio: Embroidered canopy covering some virgin images
• Official itinerary: Common route through the historic center

9. Frequently Asked Questions about Seville Holy Week

When is Holy Week 2026 in Seville?

From March 29 to April 5, 2026.

Which is the best procession to see?

La Macarena, El Gran Poder, and Esperanza de Triana are the most emblematic. However, each brotherhood has its unique charm.

Do you need to pay admission?

No. Processions are free and can be viewed from the street. You only pay for chairs or boxes on the official route.

Where to book chairs to watch the processions?

At the Seville City Hall or through specialized companies. Book months in advance.

Can children attend?

Yes, it's a family experience. Bring snacks, water, and be prepared for long waits.

What if it rains?

Processions may be suspended due to heavy rain. Check real-time updates on brotherhood social media.

Are shops open during Holy Week?

Most close Thursday evening, Good Friday, and possibly Holy Saturday. Plan your shopping.

10. Book Your Unique Experience in Seville

Holy Week in Seville 2026 will be an experience you'll remember for a lifetime. The combination of tradition, art, religion, and emotion creates an atmosphere unique in the world.

Don't wait any longer: The boutique hotels of Sevilla Hotels Collection offer you the perfect location, comfort, and personalized attention to experience this celebration in an unforgettable way. Book in advance and ensure you have the best accommodation in the heart of Seville's Holy Week.

Book now your stay at Sevilla Hotels Collection

Viva Sevilla! Viva Holy Week!