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Discover the magic of Holy Week in Alt Empordà

With the arrival of spring, Alt Empordà dresses up in colors and traditions to celebrate one of the most anticipated festivities of the year: the Holy Week. In this corner of the northeast of Catalonia, every corner keeps centuries-old stories and events that you cannot miss. Join us on this tour of the highlights that make this time an unforgettable experience.

Exploring Holy Week in Alt Empordà

Holy Week in Alt Empordà is much more than a religious celebration; It is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture, history and traditions rooted in this land. From solemn processions to gastronomic events, there is something for all tastes and ages.

Processions and Religious Celebrations

One of the highlights of Holy Week in the region are the processions that run through the streets of towns such as Verges, Figueres, Cadaqués, among others. These manifestations of faith and devotion are accompanied by music, incense and the participation of the local community.

The Processions and the Manaies
The most massive processions and with the most steps are the Processions of the Holy Burial. During the processions you will also be able to see the Manaies or armed. Some of the groups of Manaies The best known and most numerous are those of the city of Girona, Banyoles, Sant Hilari Sacalm and Verges.

The procession and Dance of Death of Verges

The Verges Procession It is a theatrical representation of the life and passion of Jesus Christ that takes place in the town of Verges. The events begin in the afternoon with a parade of Roman soldiers called Manages, who accompany the images to the church. The medieval atmosphere of the historic center of Verges provides the perfect setting for this celebration, taking advantage of the architecture and walls of the town.

One of the highlights of the procession is the Dance of Death, a symbolic painting with ancestral and unique characteristics. This dance is composed of ten characters, including La Dalla, the group's capdanser, and La Bandera, bearer of a black flag with the inscription "time is short." The characters dance to the beat of the drum, while others with torches illuminate the scene, creating a gloomy atmosphere.

The Verges procession and Dance of Death are notable events of Holy Week in this region, attracting the attention of locals and visitors alike, as it is the only municipality in Europe that preserves this dance with origins in medieval times.

The Passion, in Sant Climent Sescebes

The emblematic space of l'Horta d'en Cusí in Sant Climent Sescebes hosts the performance of The Passion. This deep-rooted tradition, which has become popular, reproduces the events that, according to Judeo-Christian tradition, took place in Palestine in the 1st century AD during the episodes of The Passion and Death of Jesus Christ. The show presents the viewer with a more human and realistic version of those episodes, in a historical recreation that will not leave you indifferent.

Procession of the Holy Burial in Figueres

This procession is one of the most notable events of Holy Week in the region. It is celebrated on Good Friday and runs through the streets of the historic center of Figueres. The procession is made up of numerous brotherhoods and brotherhoods that parade with religious images representing the Passion of Christ. The atmosphere is solemn, with sacred music and the ringing of bells. The figure of the Recumbent Christ stands out especially, which is carried in a processional step decorated with flowers and candles.

Procession of Piety in Cadaqués

Cadaqués, famous for its coastal beauty and its links with artists such as Salvador Dalí, is also the scene of a moving procession during Holy Week. The Procession of Piety takes place on Good Friday evening and involves the participation of local inhabitants, dressed in tunics and carrying torches. The procession runs through the narrow streets of the town, illuminated by torches, creating a unique and reverent atmosphere. The image of the Virgen de la Piedad is carried in a processional step decorated with white flowers.

Meeting Procession in Roses

In the coastal city of Roses, the Encuentro Procession is one of the most exciting moments of Holy Week. It is celebrated on Easter Sunday in the morning. In this procession, the images of the Risen Christ and the Virgin Mary, coming from different churches, travel through the streets until they meet in a main square. This meeting symbolizes the reunion of Jesus with his mother after the Resurrection. The procession is accompanied by music bands and the joy of the faithful who celebrate Christ's victory over death.

Living Via Crucis of Sant Hilari Sacalm

For more than 300 years, the living Via Crucis has taken place in Sant Hilari Sacalm on Good Friday. A tradition that passes from parents to children and is represented on the streets of the town. The most representative and emotional scene takes place on the outskirts of the town: the crucifixion of Jesus on the cross (the Calvary). A spectacle of music and lighting that will captivate you.

Living Via Crucis of Castelló d'Empúries

The Living Via Crucis of Castelló d'Empúries is a tradition rooted in more than two decades in which a hundred amateur people interpret the last moments of Jesus in life, his death and resurrection. The unpublished texts provided by the family of the priest Mossèn Joan Asina, son of the place and murdered during the coup d'état in Chile in 1973, guide the 14 stations of the way of the cross. The representation, located in the complex framework of the town, culminates with a detailed crucifixion that shocks the spectators. This tough and moving experience takes place every Palm Sunday and Good Friday, being an integral part of the celebration of Holy Week in the region.

These processions are just some of the many that take place in Alt Empordà during Holy Week. Each one has its own history, traditions and particularities, but they all share the objective of commemorating the events of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. For local residents and visitors, these processions are an opportunity to reflect, celebrate faith, and participate in a unique cultural experience.

Traditional Easter Gastronomy

Holy Week is also an occasion to delight in the exquisite local cuisine. From the traditional Easter cakes to the most typical dishes such as galets soup, fish suquet or roast lamb, the area's restaurants offer a feast for the senses.

Don't forget to try the typical sweets of the season, such as Carnival ears or wind bunyols of the Empordà, are the typical desserts of this area during Lent and Holy Week.

Cultural and historical events

In addition to religious celebrations, during Holy Week the Alt Empordà offers a wide variety of activities historical to enjoy with family.

X Antic Empordà Fair in La Bisbal

We invite lovers of antique objects to the 10th Antic Empordà Fair, an antiques market with more than 40 exhibitors from all over the country offering a unique range of antique and design objects. Paintings, furniture, decorative figures, devices of all kinds... a journey to the deepest place of our past, full of memories and images that will make us reconnect with our own history.

18th Medieval Market of Calonge

During these days, the town of Calonge dresses up in medieval times to celebrate the Medieval Market. With Calonge Castle as the main figure to recreate what life was like half a millennium ago, the streets of the town will host a lot of events that will bring visitors closer to the time of knights, minstrels, harlequins and dragons. Shows for young and old, battle reenactments, period market, medieval music concerts, culinary proposals, exhibitions...

Your Home in Alt Empordà: Hotel Can Clotas

After a day full of emotions and experiences, relax and recharge your batteries in our cozy hotel. Located in the heart of Alt Empordà, Hotel Can Clotas is the perfect refuge for travelers seeking comfort and hospitality in a quiet and picturesque environment. With our comfortable rooms, delicious regional cuisine and personalized attention, we guarantee you an unforgettable stay.

Book your Stay Now and Live the Magic of Holy Week in Alt Empordà!

photos: https://www.naturaki.com/es/semana-santa-girona/

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