As Semana Santa 2025 unfolds across Spain, Thursday, April 17, stands out as a day of deep significance and vibrant celebration in cities like Madrid, Seville, Valladolid, Granada, Huelva, and Málaga. This Jueves Santo marks the beginning of the Triduum, a period that commemorates pivotal events in the Christian faith, including the Last Supper and the arrest of Jesus.
In Madrid, the streets will come alive with the processions of various brotherhoods, each showcasing their unique traditions and artistic expressions. The processions include notable figures such as El Gran Poder and La Macarena, El Divino Cautivo, El Pobre, and the Virgen de la Soledad from Villaverde. The first procession, featuring the cofradía del Gran Poder and La Macarena, will start at 8:30 AM from c/ Toledo, weaving through iconic locations like Plaza de la Villa and Puerta del Sol, with a penitential station at Carboneras or San Ginés. This procession is expected to draw both locals and tourists eager to witness the dramatic displays of faith and artistry.
At 6:00 PM, the procession of El Pobre y Dulce Nombre will commence from Plaza de Jesús el Pobre, passing through Plaza de la Villa at 7:15 PM and the Catedral at 8:15 PM. Following closely at 7:00 PM, El Divino Cautivo will depart from Colegio Calasancio, traversing through several streets before returning to its starting point. Finally, the Nazareno and Santísima Virgen de la Soledad procession will begin at 8:00 PM from Parroquia de San Andrés, concluding around 11:00 PM.
Meanwhile, in Seville, Jueves Santo is one of the most intense days of the Semana Santa celebrations, with seven brotherhoods performing their stations of penance at the Cathedral. The streets will be filled with the scents of incense, the sounds of marching bands, and the solemnity of the processions. Each cofradía presents a unique interpretation of the Passion of Christ, from the Oración en el Huerto by Montesión to the dramatic scene of the Descendimiento by La Quinta Angustia.
Los Negritos will kick off the day's processions at 3:55 PM from their chapel on Calle Recaredo, with a recommended viewing point at Plaza de Pilatos around 6:00 PM and again at 9:00 PM. The Exaltación will showcase one of the most striking sculptural ensembles, passing through Calle Santa Catalina at a key moment around 7:00 PM. For those who want to witness the emotional return of the Las Cigarreras cofradía, they will begin their procession at 3:00 PM from the Iglesia de los Terceros, with a viewing opportunity at Plaza de Los Terceros.
In Valladolid, the atmosphere will be equally charged as the city celebrates with 15 processions throughout the day, starting from 11:00 AM and continuing until 11:55 PM. The Procesión del Santísimo Cristo de la Luz will commence at 11:00 AM from Palacio de Santa Cruz, featuring traditional music and a route that highlights the city's historical architecture. The afternoon will see the processions of the Santísimo Cristo de la Preciosísima Sangre and María Santísima de la Caridad at 6:00 PM, followed by the Penitencia y Caridad procession at 6:30 PM, and the Amargura en el Monte Calvario at 6:45 PM, each offering unique artistic and spiritual experiences.
Granada will also be celebrating Jueves Santo with new official routes and schedules. The Hermandad de la Concepción will start its procession at 3:45 PM from the Monasterio de la Concepción, while the Hermandad de los Salesianos will follow at 4:45 PM from the Iglesia de María Auxiliadora. The day culminates with the return of the brotherhoods to their temples late at night, ensuring a full day of devotion and community spirit.
Huelva's festivities will kick off at 7:10 PM with the Oración en el Huerto procession, followed by others such as Buena Muerte and Misericordia, culminating with the Judíos procession at 8:15 PM. The Nazareno procession, known as La Madrugá, will start at 4:00 AM, showcasing the city's rich traditions and deep-rooted faith.
Finally, Málaga will host eight processions, including the Sagrada Cena and Viñeros, which will both start at 5:00 PM. The Esperanza procession, known for its ties to the Spanish Legion, will conclude the day's events at 5:45 AM the following morning.
As these cities prepare for Jueves Santo, the anticipation is palpable. The streets will be filled with the faithful, all eager to partake in the solemnity and beauty of the Semana Santa celebrations, each procession offering a glimpse into Spain's rich cultural and religious heritage.
