The celebration of Holy Week is full of events and commemorations that envelop the cities for days, spreading through the streets a strange atmosphere, a mixture of meditation and celebration (as contradictory as it may sound).
And although we all sign up for all kinds of plans outside the city or others that have little to do with religiosity, the truth is that Barcelona continues to live the Christian tradition.
Not only for the processions, but also for Palm Sunday, one of the most picturesque and forgotten traditions of the city.
Barcelona is not Seville but…
It is true that these dates are especially important and celebrated in other cities, such as Seville, in Barcelona the streets also become the scene of this solemn religious celebration, starring blessings of branches, processions, Stations of the Cross and some other special action.
This year the week began on April 13, Palm Sunday, with the celebration of the tradition of the Palm.
Then, it will be extended until April 21, the day of Easter or Resurrection Sunday, according to the tradition of the Catholic Church. In Catalonia, in addition, it will also be a holiday on Monday April 1, the day we celebrate La Mona and all the godparents run with their chocolate sculptures to their godchildren’s house.
Departure of the “Burreta” procession (Palm Sunday)
Sunday, April 13, starting at 9.30 am. Organized by the Pontificia y Real Hermandad y Cofradía de Nazarenos de Nuestro Padre Jesús del Gran Poder y María Santísima de la Esperanza Macarena de Barcelona.
Start and end: Sant Agustí Parish Church (Plaça de Sant Agustí, 2).
Procession of the Bona Mort (Palm Sunday)
Sunday, April 13, from 5.30 pm. Organized by the Congregation of the Santísimo Cristo de la Bona Mort.
Start and end: Santa Anna Parish Church (Carrer de Santa Anna, 29).
Via Crucis de la Sang (Holy Thursday)
Thursday, April 17, from 9 pm to 10.30 pm. Organized by the Royal and Illustrious Archconfraternity of the Most Pure Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Start and end: Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi (Plaça del Pi, 7).
Procession of Nuestro Padre Jesús del Gran Poder and María Santísima de la Esperanza Macarena (Good Friday)
Friday, April 18, from 5 pm to 11 pm. Organized by the Pontificia y Real Hermandad y Cofradía de Nazarenos de Nuestro Padre Jesús del Gran Poder y María Santísima de la Esperanza Macarena de Barcelona.
Start and end: Sant Agustí Parish Church (Plaça de Sant Agustí, 2. Raval).
Procession of Our Lady of Sorrows (Good Friday)
Friday, April 18, from 18.30 h to 23.30 h. Organized by the Brotherhood and Sisterhood of Our Lady of Sorrows of Barcelona.
Start and end: Sant Jaume Church (Carrer de Ferran, 28).
Procession of the Cristo de la Bona Mort (Good Friday)
Friday, April 18, from 6.30 pm to 10 pm. Organized by the Congregation of the Santísimo Cristo de la Bona Mort.
Start and end: Santa Anna Parish Church (Carrer de Santa Anna, 29).
The Dance of Death
Of course, if you feel like seeing a particular procession we recommend you to leave Barcelona to see the Dance of Death of Verges, a medieval spectacle that transports you to another century.