On April 18, 2025, cities across Spain will celebrate Good Friday with a series of deeply rooted and emotionally charged processions as part of their Holy Week traditions. Each city brings its own unique flair to the observance, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and religious devotion that characterize this solemn day.
In Zamora, the heart of the celebrations will be marked by three major processions. The first, organized by the Cofradía de Jesús Nazareno, will commence at 5:00 AM from the iglesia de San Juan de Puerta Nueva. This procession features the traditional Baile de Cinco de Copas, a dance that sets the tone for the day. Following a brief pause, the procession will continue through the city, culminating back at the church around noon.
Later in the afternoon, the Real Cofradía del Santo Entierro will take to the streets at 4:00 PM, starting from the carpa del parque de San Bernabé. This procession is notable for its solemnity, as it weaves through various streets, including Calle San Martín and Plaza Mayor, before concluding around 10:30 PM.
As night falls, the Real Cofradía de Nuestra Madre de las Angustias will begin its procession at 11:00 PM from the Iglesia Parroquial de San Vicente Mártir, returning around 2:00 AM on April 19. This procession is expected to draw significant crowds, as it features the singing of the Salve in honor of the Virgin Mary.
Meanwhile, in Córdoba, six brotherhoods will participate in their own processions, each contributing to the day’s atmosphere of reflection and reverence. The brotherhood of los Dolores will kick off its procession at 6:39 PM, making its way through key points such as Campo Santo de los Mártires and the Cathedral, with an expected return around 1:30 AM on April 19. The other brotherhoods, including la Soledad and la Conversión, will follow suit, adding their unique traditions to the celebration.
Seville, known for its grand and artistic processions, will also see a vibrant display of devotion with seven brotherhoods parading through the streets. The city’s Good Friday is characterized by the harmony between the processions and the artistic expression of Andalusian Baroque, creating a visually stunning experience for both participants and onlookers.
In Zaragoza, the Santo Entierro procession will be the highlight of the day, where all brotherhoods come together for a massive display of faith. The Cofradía de las Siete Palabras y de San Juan Evangelista will start its procession at noon, lasting nearly four hours, while the main procession will commence later in the evening from Iglesia de Santa Isabel.
Over in Huelva, the atmosphere is one of mourning and reflection as four brotherhoods, including the Descendimiento and la Soledad del Silencio, take to the streets. Notably, the Hermandad del Descendimiento will showcase new embroidery and restored images, adding a fresh touch to their traditional display.
Barcelona will also be alive with activity, featuring various processions across its neighborhoods. The Eixample area will see multiple Viacrucis, starting as early as 10:30 AM, culminating in a late evening procession at the Sagrada Familia.
As the day progresses, it’s important to note that weather conditions may affect some processions. Reports indicate that a storm system is expected to move into the region, potentially disrupting festivities in various locations. However, many cities are prepared to adapt, ensuring that the spirit of Good Friday remains intact.
In the north, cities like Bilbao will witness the earliest procession of the day, the Procesión del Silencio, which starts at 5:30 AM and is notable for its lack of music, focusing instead on meditation and prayer.
Across the country, the variety of processions reflects not only a commitment to religious observance but also a profound cultural identity. From the dramatic reenactments in Balmaseda to the unique laical procession in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, the diversity of celebrations illustrates the rich tapestry of Spanish traditions during Holy Week.
As Spain collectively observes Good Friday, the shared experiences of devotion, community, and cultural pride will resonate through the streets, creating a powerful reminder of the significance of this day in the Christian calendar. Whether through the solemnity of the processions or the vibrant expressions of faith, Good Friday in Spain promises to be a day of deep emotional impact and communal spirit.
