Holy Week 2024

Semana Santa or Holy Week - 24 March through 31 March, 2024 - was marked by numerous processions throughout Zaragoza.

CULTURAL NOTE: Before we get into pictures and videos, please note that the religious robes worn by the Spanish priests resemble those of the KKK. However, as this BBC article details, there is no historical relation.

Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday - the reenactment of crowds welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem.

In general, I love the way music reverberates through the city. For me, the drums elevated the emotion of the pageantry. In the sample below, you can hear the drums and vaguely see a float of Jesus riding a donkey:

On Holy Thursday, we ventured out to see a couple more processions. There were religious figures and military or police representatives processing with floats depicting the crucifixion.

Yes - there were also drums.

Additionally, there was a float of Mary, grieving the crucifixion of her son.

And women marched, in solidarity with Mary, grieving for Jesus.

Due to severe weather (thunderstorms), the Good Friday processions were cancelled this year.

However, the weather cleared up enough by Sunday for the Easter processions to occur.

Again, Mary is honored.

And here is the float depicting the risen Christ.

(Yes, there were drums too!)

People come together on the street in Zaragoza. This can be for religious processions, protests, neighborhood celebrations, and bike or foot races. Beyond the sidewalk cafes, the streets themselves are significant meeting spaces.

Of course there are cars or buses driving around most of the time (and bikes and electric scooters), but when you walk down the middle of a street, there's a connection or an ownership you take with you, and it further unites the community.