Easter in Barcelona 2025
Bank holidays
Easter Monday
Semana Santa in barcelona
Semana Santa is the holy week, and it takes place from the 13th to the 21st April this year. Semana Santa in Barcelona starts with Palm Sunday.
Palm Sunday
Catalan: Diumenge de Rams
Spanish: Domingo de Ramos
The name stems from the tradition of the parade of people holding palm leaves in remembrance of the greeting Jesus got a week before his death when he arrived in Jerusalem. On this day, godparents give their godchildren palm leaves. These palms are traditionally blessed by a priest during Palm Sunday masses (called “Bendición de la Palma”) and children are supposed to keep them at home until the following spring, when the palms will be burned. The ashes will then be used by priests to draw a cross on people’s foreheads to mark the beginning of the week.
It is also common practice on Palm Sunday for boys and girls to carry different palm leaves, boys typically carry “palmónes,” or taller stalks, while girls’ “palmas” are shorter, and have crosses woven on them. You’ll probably see the palms sold with small bags of sweets or toys tied to them, as well as the Catalan “senyera” flag. They’re sold in markets throughout Easter in Barcelona, notably outside the Barcelona Cathedral and the Sagrada Familia.
Maundy Thursday
Catalan: Dijous Sant
Spanish: Jueves Santo
While Maundy Thursday isn’t considered a public holiday, the day hosts a strange but fascinating procession for anyone willing to make a day trip to Verges, a village near Costa Brava. “La Procesión de Verges,” also called “La Sansa de la mort,” “La Danza de la Muerte de Verges,” or “The Dance of Death,” celebrates the final judgment after death before a soul is sent to heaven, hell, or purgatory. It consists of drums, scythes, ashes, clocks, skeletons, and robes, to give you an idea of what to expect. Despite its weird premise, the parade is very popular, and is watched by thousands of people every year.
Good Friday
Catalan: Divendres Sant
Spanish: Viernes Santo
The second most important day of Semana Santa in Barcelona is Good Friday. The streets are paraded with large floats carrying religious figures. The procession is followed by hundreds of worshippers. The greatest site to see Good Friday processions is outside Barcelona Cathedral, where there are generally a lot of events between 4-11 p.m. It should not be confused with the Sagrada Familia, as it is a basilica rather than a cathedral.
Easter Saturday
Catalan: Dissabte de Pasqua
Spanish: Sábado Santo
On the Saturday of Semana Santa in Barcelona, you’ll find most things to be open and running as normal. People prepare for the following day’s festivities, stocking up on food and other necessities. There are still quite a few processions throughout the city, however, if you know where to find them.
Easter Sunday
Catalan: Diumenge de Resurrecció, or Diumenge de Pasqua
Spanish: Domingo de Resurrección, or Domingo de Pascua
Easter Sunday is a day of joyous masses and religious processions. The Barcelona Cathedral serves as the focal point of the festivities. This day marks the conclusion of Lent and the beginning of a feast that is often celebrated with Mona de Pascua. For most Catalans, this dish is a delicious way to commemorate Easter in Barcelona. In Spanish, ‘pascua’ means Easter, while ‘mona’ comes from the Arabic word “munna,” which means “gift.” Godparents are expected to provide such a gift to their godchildren on Easter Sunday as well.
Processions During Easter in Barcelona 2025
As we mentioned before, the processions are some of the biggest highlights of Easter in Barcelona and Semana Santa in the city. Filled with elaborate costumes, dancing, music, and intricately-made decorations, the processions are unforgettable and so unique to Catalan culture. If you’re in town, these are definitely events you don’t want to miss.
Processó de la Burreta
- Sunday 13th April at 10 a.m.
- More info
Processó de la Burreta (Palm Procession) honours the arrival of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem and marks the start of Semana Santa in Barcelona festivities. It starts and ends at la Parroquia de Sant Agustí (Plaza Sant Agustí) in the Raval neighbourhood, and will pass through Carrer de l’Hospital, La Rambla, Carrer de Santa Ana, Av. del Portal de l’Àngel, Carrer de la Cucurulla, and Carrer de la Portaferrissa along the way. It is known for its traditional bleached palm leaves.
Processó de la Bona Mort
- Sunday 13th April at 06.00 p.m.
- More info
The night of the Processó de la Burreta, there is also the Processó de la Bona Mort (Procession of good death), starting and ending at the Major Parish of Santa Anna (carrer de Santa Anna). This parade, as per its name, honours the divine death of Jesus Christ. It follows along Carrer de Santa Ana, Portal de l’Àngel, Plaça Nova, Avinguda de la Catedral, Carrer dels Boters, Plaça del Pi, Carrer Petritxol, Carrer de la Portaferrissa, La Rambla, then back to Carrer de Santa Ana.
Via Crucis de la Sang
- Thursday 17th April at 09:00 p.m.
- More info
The Via Crucis de la Sang Parade (Way of the Cross of Blood), starts and ends at the Basilica de Santa Maria del Pi (Plaza del Pi). It goes from the Basilica to Carrer de la Palma, Carrer dels Banys Nous, Carrer del Call, Plaça Sant Jaume, Carrer del Bisbe, Carrer de la Pietat, Plaça de Sant lu, Pla de la Seu, Carrer de Santa Llúcia, Carrer del Bisbe, Plaça de Cucurulla, and back to the Basilica again.
Processó de la Verge de les Angoixes
- Friday 18th April at 07:00 p.m.
- More info
The Processó de la Verge de les Angoixes (Procession of Our Lady of Sorrows), starts and ends at the Església de Sant Jaume (carrer de Fernan). It makes its way along Carrer de Ferran, Plaça Sant Jaume, Carrer del Bisbe, Avinguda de la Catedral, Carrer dels Boters, Carrer del Pi, Plaça del Pi, Carrer del Cardenal Casañas, and La Rambla on its route.
Processó de Jesús Ressuscitat
- Saturday 20th April at 12:00 p.m.
- More info
Easter Sunday is the most joyful and significant day for Christians, celebrating Jesus’ resurrection and his victory over death.
Sagrada Familia
The Sagrada Familia is always a must-see, and its allure reaches new heights during Semana Santa in Barcelona. Throughout the week, the Basilica hosts a diverse array of Easter events, yet it’s the profound religious services, stirring concerts, and mesmerising illuminations that truly stand out, making the extra crowds well worth the experience.
Religious services for Easter at the Basilica
Experience the tradition of international Mass at the Sagrada Familia every Sunday morning – free and open to all on a first-come, first-served basis. Starting at 9 a.m., these services fill up quickly, with many visitors arriving hours early to secure a seat. The Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday services, though even more crowded, offer a uniquely moving experience that resonates whether you’re deeply religious or simply curious about the cultural heritage. To fully enjoy these services, it’s wise to arrive early.
Please note that a respectful dress code is required during Mass. Avoid wearing shorts or revealing tops, as casual or provocative attire is considered inappropriate in this sacred space.
Easter In Barcelona Concert
Each year, the Sagrada Familia hosts a special concert that has become a highlight of its events calendar. In previous editions, the concert was presented by Orfeón Donostiarra, an esteemed amateur choir institution, the Granollers Chamber Orchestra, the Amics de la Unió Children’s Choir, and the Granollers Chamber Choir.
As in previous years, the Sagrada Familia invites all interested attendees to register for a raffle to win tickets for the event. Registration will be open for a limited period, with a select number of winners receiving tickets for two. The list of winners will be published on the Sagrada Familia’s website, so be sure to register early and secure your chance to attend this extraordinary musical experience.
For more information on tickets, timings and other events, keep an eye on the official Sagrada Familia Easter page.
Illuminations of the Passion façade
The Illuminations of the Passion Façade at the Sagrada Familia is a breathtaking Easter tradition that brings the basilica’s intricate sculptures to life through a mesmerising display of light and narration. While details for this year’s event have yet to be announced, you can stay updated by checking the official Sagrada Familia Easter page for ticket information and scheduling.
Food
Cod
The cod, or “bacalao,” tradition in Spain originates from the lent practices in the 16th century. During this time, and centuries after, Spaniards were required by the Catholic Church to stop eating meat during lent (the 40 days leading up to Easter). To still get their protein, most people resorted to cod. It was an especially common practice among the lower classes, due to cod’s cheapness and easy ability to be preserved in salt.
Today, this class separation no longer exists. People of all upbringings eat cod in many ways around Semana Santa and Easter in Barcelona in celebration. Prepared the traditional Catalan way, cod is found dried and torn in a vegetable salad. This dish is called “esqueixada,” in Catalan, coming from the Catalan verb “to tear.” You might also find cod smoked, cured, or salted, depending on the preparer. Regardless, if you’re celebrating Easter in Barcelona, any method is definitely worth trying!
Mona de Pascua
The traditional mona had a circular shape and was filled with hard-boiled eggs. The number of eggs might range from two to twelve, reflecting a child’s age. Local children generally get their first communion at the age of twelve. Modern monas, on the other hand, are more varied and sometimes include complex chocolate embellishments, as well as crème brûlée fillings, cream, or butter. The top of the cake is decorated with miniature chocolate eggs and chicks, small dwellings, cartoon figures, and coloured goose feathers. Mona doesn’t necessarily have to be sweet. Sometimes it is substituted with savoury products.
A wonderful Easter dessert may be purchased from the nearby bakery. The Eixample neighbourhood has some of the most beautiful chocolate window displays. Mona de Pascua is traditionally offered on Easter Sunday but only consumed the next day, Easter Monday.
La Passió d’Olesa de Montserrat
Olesa de Montserrat offers a captivating glimpse into a tradition that has been lovingly preserved for nearly five centuries. Through its Passió, this event powerfully retells the story of Jesus’s death and resurrection, a narrative brought to life on one of Europe’s grandest stages by the dedication of a thousand committed individuals. Since 1952, the Gran Teatre de La Passió has been the iconic venue for this moving celebration, which has now been reimagined as a fresh, modern two-hour show.
If you’re unable to attend in person, you can also experience the play on TV, complete with a unique subtitle system that presents the original Catalan text alongside English and Spanish translations, supported by Teatro Acesible. Enhanced by breathtaking scenography, this revamped performance offers an unforgettable way to witness a beautiful tradition in a whole new light.
- Saturday 12th April at 06:00 p.m.
- Good Friday 18th April at 11:00 a.m.
Traffic jam
Easter in Barcelona is notorious for its heavy traffic. At the start of the festivities, many locals leave the city while tourists flood in, only for the situation to reverse on Easter Monday. To avoid the traffic jams, it’s wise to rely on public transportation, as trains and buses offer ample routes to your destination. Additionally, with numerous parades and processions taking over the streets, navigating on foot can be challenging. We recommend checking the schedule of major parades before Semana Santa so you can plan to enjoy the festivities without disrupting your travel plans.
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