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Date Published: 28/03/2024

Weird and wacky Easter parades and traditions in Spain

From death dances to parades in honour of drunkards, Spain has some truly bizarre ways of celebrating Holy Week

The Spanish certainly know how to throw a party and even their religious processions and parades are famous across the globe. There’s a reason why the word ‘fiesta’ has transcended the language barriers and become synonymous with a right good time all over the world.

Easter, or Semana Santa (Holy Week, in English) is a fairly solemn occasion in Spain and this very important occasion is mainly celebrated with a variety of masses, vigils and parades led by the various Brotherhoods. It’s a time for family and personal reflection, a time for prayer and remembrance.

However, Spain being Spain, there was bound to be a lighter side to the celebrations and many towns and cities have their own unique ways of marking Easter. From the mildly unusual to the downright bizarre, we’ve rounded up eight of the wackiest alternative Holy Week celebrations in the country.

1. Dancing with death - Verges, Girona

Imagine a parade where death is the star of the show. That's exactly what happens in Verges, where ten people dress up as skeletons and dance to the rhythm of a tambourine.

It may sound spooky, but it's actually a centuries-old tradition that's been named a Heritage Festival of National Interest.

2. Water fight – Valencia

Who says Holy Week can't be a little wet and wild? In Valencia, locals celebrate the Trencà de Perols by throwing buckets of water and dishes from their balconies. It's a fun twist on the usual processions, and it's meant to symbolise renewal and leaving the past behind.

3. Honouring a drunken legend – León

If you love wine and a good joke, you'll appreciate the story behind the Burial of Genarín. This procession honours a man named Genaro Blanco, who was known for his love of wine and women.

After his death, his friends started a tradition of carrying a doll representing him through the streets, complete with a bottle of wine and a lamppost to hold onto. It's a hilarious way to remember a larger-than-life character.

4. Battle of the Verses - Navaluenga, Ávila

This is one for the poetry lovers. In Navaluenga, two teams compete in a verse-reciting competition called the Romances of Navaluenga. They must recite 14 poems by Lope de Vega about the Passion and death of Jesus Christ, and the team that messes up gets eliminated.

It's a unique blend of art and friendly rivalry.

5. Devilish fun - Orihuela, Alicante

You won't find your average Easter decorations here. The Cross of the Labradors features a demon in the form of a woman, surrounded by skeletons and angels. It's a strange sight to behold, but it's been a beloved tradition since 1695.

Just don't try bringing it into church - the devil isn't welcome there!

6. Killing Jews...with wine lemonade? – León

Don't worry, this tradition doesn't involve any actual violence. During Easter in León, locals go from bar to bar drinking wine lemonade, which is believed to have originated as a way to avoid a massacre in the Jewish quarter.

Today, it's just a fun excuse to taste some delicious drinks and socialise with friends.

7. Pardons for prisoners – Nationwide

It's not all fun and games - some Spanish towns use Holy Week to offer pardons to prisoners. This tradition is rooted in the idea of mercy and forgiveness, and it gives prisoners a chance to start fresh.

This year, six prisoners were granted pardons and released from prison early.

8. Sanjuaninos shake their stuff – Avilés

Last but not least, we have the sanjuaninos of Avilés. These young, single men perform a traditional dance with bare feet with the figure of Saint John the Evangelist on their shoulders. It's a joyful spectacle that always goes viral on social media.

Also of interest: Semana Santa in Spain: How do the Spanish celebrate Easter?

Image: sanjuaninos.es

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