If you happen to be in Barcelona this Easter, you will witness some local traditions deeply rooted in the city's cultural fabric. From the solemn processions to the traditional treats, Easter in Barcelona offers a blend of religious fervour and festive celebration.
Easter week is the set of Christian celebrations that occur at the end of Lent. It commemorates the last days of Jesus's life, starting with Palm Sunday, which celebrates his arrival in Jerusalem; Holy Thursday, the day of the last supper; Easter Friday, which remembers his crucifixion; Saturday, the day of mourning, culminating with Easter Sunday, the celebration of his resurrection.
Palm Sunday
At the start of Holy Week, the streets of Barcelona come alive with the vibrant procession of Palm Sunday, known locally as ‘Domingo de Ramos’. This marks the beginning of Easter observances, commemorating Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, where he was greeted with olive branches. The highlight of this day is the blessing of palm leaves, which the tradition dictates are given by the godmother to her godchildren. They are decorated with colourful ribbons, little toys or sweets and taken to the city's churches to be blessed. The boys receive a ‘palmón’, which is tall and thin, and the girls receive a ‘palma’, which has a more intricate design. Traditionally, people hang the palms on their balconies after Easter until next year for good luck.
If you want to see the Palm fairs, head over to Rambla de Catalunya and Plaça de la Sagrada Familia, where they take place from the 20th to the 24th March.
Processions
The culmination of Easter celebrations in Barcelona is the observance of Good Friday, or Viernes Santo. Processions wind through the streets on this solemn day, depicting the Passion of Christ. Participants, often dressed in traditional robes, carry elaborate floats bearing statues of religious figures. Do not miss the Via Crucis in the Sagrada Familia on the 29th at 21:00 or the one in the Cathedral on the same day at 19:00.
Throughout Easter weekend, Barcelona's churches will host special services and masses, drawing worshippers to reflect on the religious significance of the holiday. These services provide solemnity and spiritual contemplation amidst the city's festive atmosphere.
Sweet Treats
During these days, people embrace the culinary delights associated with Easter. The most eagerly awaited treat, especially by children, is the "Mona de Pascua," a traditional Easter cake adorned with colourful decorations and traditionally featuring hard-boiled eggs. Recently, the ‘mona’ has been replaced by elaborated chocolate artworks in all sorts of shapes and sizes, with patisseries competing to make the most spectacular one. The Mona de Pascua is given by the godfather to his godchildren on Easter Sunday. Another culinary tradition during Easter in Barcelona is the delicious "buñuelos de Cuaresma”, small fried dough balls covered in sugar.
For more information on all the Easter events taking place around the city, check the Barcelona Turisme
