Holy Week Traditions and Other Ways to Enjoy the Break in Madrid

The long‑awaited break before the final stretch is finally here! Many of you will be traveling outside of Spain, but some might prefer to take the opportunity to enjoy our country—or even Madrid—without the stress of classes.

THE HOLY WEEK TRADITIONS

In any case, it might be useful for everyone to learn a bit about this season in Spain.

For a general and brief overview (history, food...), you can read this older post (there is a very cool video that can give you a good idea of what it is!!):

https://exploringwithauspain.blogspot.com/2023/02/already-planning-what-to-do-in-easter.html

Is this photo impressive—or maybe a little unsettling? Check out the post above to learn the meaning behind those hooded penitents and the processions.

And for people with a sweet tooth, you can find other delicious things to try here:

https://exploringwithauspain.blogspot.com/2023/03/for-students-with-sweet-tooth.html

One option is to visit some of the small towns near Madrid where Holy Week plays a major role. Places like Alcalá de Henares, El Escorial, Chinchón, Morata de Tajuña, Torrejón de Ardoz, or Parla are all very close to the city. Some of them are truly beautiful spots with significant monuments, while others may not stand out for their landmarks—but they all share the distinction of having Holy Week celebrations officially recognized as being of tourist interest. On this website you’ll find descriptions, photos, schedules, and more. It’s in Spanish, but I’m sure Google Translate will help you get through it. 😉

And of course, if you’re thinking of traveling around Spain, places like Seville and Málaga (and Andalusia in general), as well as Cuenca, Zamora, or Valladolid, are among the most impressive destinations to experience Holy Week processions.

What about staying in Madrid? Here are the dates, times, and main routes for the processions in town: 

https://www.esmadrid.com/en/whats-on/easter-processions-madrid

And of course, there will be plenty of other things happening in Madrid besides the processions. These are only some examples: 

THE COMIC FAIR

Matadero Madrid will become the major hub of the ninth art from March 26 to 29 with the second edition of the Madrid Comic Fair. The event brings together bookstore and publisher booths, book signings, panel discussions, workshops, screenings, and professional activities. And the Matadero space is something you really shouldn’t miss: Matadero Madrid is a former slaughterhouse transformed into one of the city’s most vibrant cultural centers. It’s located at Plaza de Legazpi, 8, and you can get there easily by Metro—just take Line 3 to Legazpi station, which leaves you right at the entrance.

DANCE

Also at Matadero you can enjoy Olvidadas (a Las Sinsombrero) at Centro Danza Matadero.

The dancer and choreographer Mercedes de Córdoba presents a contemporary dance piece rooted in flamenco that pays tribute to "Las Sinsombrero", the women artists and intellectuals of the Generation of ’27 who were silenced and forgotten by history. Some of you have already seen the exhibition about Maruja Mallo at the Reina Sofía Museum. She was one of "Las Sinsombrero".

These are just some examples... Madrid is full of concerts, exhibitions, movies... these days Explore the city!!!!