Easter in Alicante one of the best in Spain, according to National Geographic
Holy Week in Alicante province has been recognised as a Festival of National Tourist Interest
Alicante is without doubt one of the best places in Spain to experience the magic of Easter, and it's not hard to see why. Holy Week, or Semana Santa, in the province has been recognised as a Festival of National Tourist Interest, and for good reason. The streets come alive with processions, music and tradition, making it an unforgettable experience for visitors and locals alike.
If this accolade wasn’t enough, the prestigious National Geographic has just published a list of the “Best Holy Weeks” in Spain. Other fabulous Semana Santa destinations like Sevilla, Cartagena and Granada got the nod but for the Geographic, Alicante stands alone.
In fact, several different municipalities made the ranking for their unique celebrations and festivals during Holy Week.
Holy Week in Crevillent
One of the highlights of Alicante's Easter celebrations is the town of Crevillent. The origins of Crevillent's Holy Week date back to the 17th century and it's still a truly emotional experience today.
The procession of the Santísimo Cristo de Difuntos y Ánimas (Holy Christ of the Dead and Souls) on Holy Tuesday is a must-see, with its torches, incense burners and eerie silence. The following night, the different brotherhoods come together at the Entrance of the Steps of the church of Our Lady of Bethlehem, creating a mesmerising atmosphere.
But the most emotional moment of all is the early hours of Good Friday, when the whole town gathers at La Morquera to witness the poignant embrace between the Mother and Son during the procession up to Calvary.
Holy Week in Orihuela
Holy Week in Orihuela originates in the Chapel of Loreto, located on Calle Mayor next to the Episcopal Palace. Founded in 1536, it was home to four brotherhoods: the Blessed Sacrament, the Immaculate Blood of Christ, Our Lady of Loreto and Our Lady of the Forsaken.
The procession of the Blood of Christ stands out among the most historic moments of Semana Santa in Orihuela, as its dates back to the parades that the town's inhabitants made to ask for alms.
The Encounter, which takes place at midnight on Passion Sunday, is a magical moment, with the brotherhoods meeting in the Plaza de Miguel Hernández and the Cruz de los Labradores parading through the streets.
Alicante’s hidden treasure
Despite not being recognised on the National Geographic list, the Santa Cruz procession is one of Alicante's best-kept secrets.
Taking place every Holy Wednesday, this procession is a picture-postcard setting, with cobblestone streets, colourful houses and flowers adorning the balconies.
The costaleros (the men who carry the floats) are passionate and strong, and the poles are passed down from generation to generation. The Virgin of Sorrows float is carried only by women, who sweat and dance their way through the streets, making for a truly unforgettable sight.
Alicante's unique feature
Alicante also has a unique feature that sets it apart from other Holy Week celebrations: the heaviest procession in Spain takes place on Holy Thursday, with the Last Supper procession weighing in at a staggering 5,000 kilograms.
Impressive Holy Weeks in nearby towns
The province of Murcia is also known for hosting a Holy Week steeped in culture, with its sculptures from the 16th to the 18th centuries, and the handmade silk and gold local embroidery that covers participants in the Lorca processions. These are among the first textiles declared Assets of Cultural Interest in Spain. This town's Holy Week is also a candidate for UNESCO Intangible Heritage status.
Holy Week in Cartagena is one of the longest, with ten days of processions from Good Friday to Easter Sunday. What really stands out is the rhythmic order of the penitents, who march in unison to the sound of drums and other music.
The Cartagena parades are also famous for their spectacular embroidered cloaks, banners and shrouds, some of which date back to the 18th century.
Images: hdadsantacruzalicante
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