Semana Santa (Holy Week)

Spain's most important religious festival (not a party festival—solemn, reflective, deeply Catholic). Seville Semana Santa : Fiesta of International Tourist Interest. 60+ cofradías (brotherhoods) process from their churches to Seville Cathedral from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, each with 1-3 pasos (elaborate floats weighing 1,000+ kg, carried by 25-40 costaleros hidden beneath). "La Madrugá" (early morning of Good Friday) is peak moment—La Macarena (Virgen de la Esperanza Macarena, most beloved Virgin in Seville) and El Cachorro (Cristo de la Expiración) process in early hours. Nazarenos (penitents in pointed hoods—capirote, different from KKK unrelated, dates to 15th-century Inquisition when condemned wore capirote, now symbol of penance) carry candles, crosses, incense. Saetas (improvised flamenco laments sung from balconies as pasos pass) send chills. Málaga : different style—tronos (thrones) carried by 200+ costaleros, dramatic "tronos de salida" (exit from church). "La Legión" (Spanish Legion military unit) sings "El Novio de la Muerte" ("Bridegroom of Death") on Holy Thursday carrying Cristo de la Buena Muerte. "La Virgen de la Esperanza" (Virgen de la Esperanza, "La Reina de Málaga") processes with 2,000+ legionarios marching. Valladolid : Castilian style—austere, 20+ pasos each depicting single scene (not full float), UNESCO-recognized. General tips : Seville hotels book 12+ months in advance; processions last from late afternoon until 3am, streets blocked so impossible to drive in city center; dress code is black and formal (no shorts, no t-shirts, no festive clothing); no clapping or cheering (silence or crying only)