On Monday, April 14, 2025, the city of Zaragoza experienced a mix of weather events and cultural celebrations. The Zaragoza City Council deactivated the Municipal Emergency Plan for strong storms at 18:20 after it was initially activated at 14:00 due to an orange alert issued by the Spanish meteorological agency, Aemet. Fortunately, the storm that hit the city did not cause any significant damage, and firefighters reported no major emergencies related to the water.
Despite the earlier weather concerns, the streets of Zaragoza, along with Huesca and Teruel, were filled with brotherhoods, floats, and the sounds of bass drums and traditional music as the Holy Week processions commenced. The weather improved just in time for the planned events, allowing the processions to proceed across various municipalities in the region.
The brotherhood of La Dolorosa was one of the first groups to take to the streets in Zaragoza, parading with their distinct black velvet habits and accompanying the image of the Virgin Mother of Divine Grace. Their procession lasted over three hours, culminating at the church of San Cayetano shortly after 23:00, marking a significant moment in the city's Holy Week celebrations.
In Huesca, nearly 200 members of the Cenáculo Procession were eager to participate after being unable to do so the previous year due to rain. They successfully conducted their procession on the same day, despite initial concerns about the weather. The Procession of the Arrest is scheduled to start at 23:00 in Huesca, adding to the day's festivities.
Meanwhile, Teruel also witnessed its own significant processions. The Procession of the Condemnation, which had been canceled the previous year due to poor weather, took place on April 14, 2025. This procession is led by the brotherhood of Nuestra Señora de la Villa Vieja and the Blood of Christ, who carried two images, the Ecce Homo and the Virgen de la Dolorosa, entirely supported by women. Another procession, the Procession of the Transfer, is set to begin at 21:00 on the same day.
Alongside these cultural events, the Hermandad del Refugio is holding its traditional collection during Holy Week to support its various charitable initiatives, including food distribution programs and accommodation for homeless women. On Thursday, April 17, 2025, the Hermandad will set up 42 collection tables across 36 churches in Zaragoza. They will also be present in key locations such as Coso, Don Jaime Street, and Paseo Independencia on Good Friday, April 18, and Resurrection Sunday, April 20.
In other news, the newly launched Bizi Zaragoza bike-sharing service has surpassed expectations in its first three months, recording 720,000 trips and attracting 30,000 subscribers who together have traveled an impressive 1.7 million kilometers. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Zaragoza City Council and the Government of Aragon to promote sustainable transportation.
However, not all news is positive. The municipal group of VOX blocked the final approval of the General Urban Planning Plan intended to expand the area of the Amusement Park, delaying the process by one month. This decision has sparked discussions about urban development and community needs.
As the city of Zaragoza navigates through the challenges posed by weather and urban planning, it also embraces its rich traditions and community spirit, especially during this significant time of Holy Week. The combination of cultural celebrations and community support initiatives highlights the resilience and unity of the people in Zaragoza and its surrounding areas.
