10 Things to Do in Seville at Holy Week

The things to see and do in Seville throughout the year differ a little from what happens during Holy Week. This city is completely transformed by the fact that different Catholic brotherhoods gather throughout the city to celebrate the most important week of Catholicism. All through centuries-old traditions that are a cultural asset within the Sevillian identity as well as within the Spanish identity.

So my recommendation is that if you intend to live these dates in the historic heart of Seville then keep reading this publication, because I have grouped together different plans that stand out as essential within the cultural itinerary of this week, as well as being recommended from a logistical and economic point of view.

Semana Santa (Holy Week) is a commemorative date that has a somewhat mournful and reflective character and it is all to do with the fact that it is commemorating the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the city of Seville this is very much taken into account and, for this reason, the processions of this city are an event not to be missed by those who consider themselves Catholics and have the opportunity to travel here.

The exact number of processions varies every year, as sometimes different brotherhoods manage to coincide within the same itinerary. In any case, what is certain is that throughout Holy Week some 70 or 80 processions usually make their way to the city's cathedral. This while another 10 take routes that go a little further away from the most important Catholic church in Seville to smaller places of worship.

You should know that these are multitudinous events in which people go on pilgrimages while others are simply there for no religious reason. This is because they want to observe one of the most characteristic and impressive events of Hispanic culture.

So the whole city is usually reorganised around these processions. Therefore, a good way to make sure you get the chance to see the best neighbourhoods of Seville before these events begin is to take a private tour that shows you the architectural treasures of the city. At least if you're interested in doing so in the comfort you deserve and need to enjoy the experience.

Another must-see during Holy Week is the Triana Market. This has to do with the fact that although it is a place that is not part of the processions, it is still a place that is directly connected to the religious history of this city. During the time of the Inquisition, this site was the site of most of the executions that were organised for those who were accused of being heretics or blasphemers.

Today the castle that served as a centre for executions is in ruins and this market is built on the site. The visit offers you the chance to take a gastronomic tour to try the characteristic Sevillian sandwiches that are usually eaten during Holy Week, which differ from the rest of the year in that vegetables and fish are the main ingredients on the menu during Lent.

I recommend that you opt for a guided tour that also offers you the chance to take a Spanish cooking class. The truth is that this is a good way to occupy your time while the people are grouped together in the processions. Moreover, touring this market with the accompaniment of a specialist is one of the best things to see and do in Seville's Triana neighbourhood, which is a neighbourhood that also has a very significant cultural importance for other aspects of identity such as the world of Flamenco.

Focusing your time solely on enjoying the processions can be a bad decision during your visit to Seville at Easter. It has everything to do with the fact that there are other equally interesting aspects to these commemorative dates of Catholicism. One of them is the different carvings of both Jesus Christ and the saints and virgins that belong to the Sevillian brotherhoods.

The Christ of the brotherhood of Los Gitanos, the clothing and images of Los Armaos and everything that accompanies the candelarias of the brotherhood of El Calvario are just some of the elements that will allow you to appreciate the beauty that characterises these works of craftsmanship, which in some cases are up to 300 years old. In fact, an indisputable fact is that most of the sculptors who have dedicated their lives to creating works for Catholic institutions have created pieces for the Sevillian brotherhoods at some point in their professional careers.

Likewise, you should know that if you wish to appreciate these carvings you can do so either in the processions or by visiting the brotherhoods' headquarters directly. This second idea is recommended if you also wish to take part in other types of activities such as the best night tours in Seville, which allow you to enjoy the other side of Holy Week that takes place when the sun sets.

Within the timetable of the Holy Week in Seville you should know that the most important date is La Madrugá. This event is a series of processions that take place from the night of Maundy Thursday to the morning of Good Friday and is characterised by the fact that there are 6 different processions that sometimes last more than 10 hours.

The number of Nazarenes taking part in each of these processions depends on the brotherhood. Although one of the most interesting could be the one of Los Gitanos because of the fact that the participants walk for 12 hours through the length and breadth of Seville.

If you decide to enjoy this night from the processions' point of view, then you should know that it is a very reflective event with an almost spiritual atmosphere if you want to define it that way. However, you should also bear in mind that within the hundreds of thousands of people who come to Seville during Holy Week there is also another sector of the population who want to experience these dates in a totally different way.

Therefore, many of the nightclubs that are away from the route chosen by the processions of La Madrugá will also be full of people. In this case you could enjoy a couple of drinks with good music to experience the Easter holidays with a more youthful and modern approach. Either way, both ways of spending the early hours of Good Friday are among the best things to do in Seville during the spring.

If crowds aren't your thing, but you're still interested in the idea of getting to know the great treasures of Catholicism in Seville during Holy Week in this city, then it's a good idea to consider a tour of the city's most iconic churches. Most of them are characterised by their baroque style and the Iglesia del Salvador is the perfect representative of this. It is located near Plaza Nueva and during some days of Holy Week it can be a good place to appreciate Sevillian traditions without having to deal with processions.

The Basilica of Jesus del Gran Poder is another church that you should visit during Holy Week, although in this case it would be very important that you plan your visit according to the processions, since during the early morning of Good Friday, the Catholic brotherhood of the Gran Poder organises its respective procession throughout the city.

For this decision to visit the different churches in Seville it is advisable that you familiarise yourself a little about how to get around in Seville. Especially as there will be cuts in public transport services passing through specific streets that usually form part of the route of these processions that gather up to 600,000 people in some years.

If I'm talking about visiting churches in Seville during Holy Week then one place you can't miss is the cathedral, especially if you want to climb up to its tower known as La Giralda. This is a place with a historical importance that goes beyond Catholicism. It is the site of the tomb of Christopher Columbus.

One of the most interesting aspects of going up to the viewpoint of the tower is that the ascent is via a ramp, which is very favourable for those with mobility problems.

On the other hand, if you have no idea how to visit Seville Cathedral on your own, simply because you would like to be accompanied by a specialist, then it is a good idea to invest your time and money in a guided tour. Even more so knowing that this way you will avoid the queues because you will have a specific date and time within the Holy Week for this tour.

Torrijas are a typical Easter dessert in other Spanish cities such as Madrid and, therefore, during your visit to Seville you should not miss the opportunity to try the Andalusian version in some of the traditional restaurants you will find on your way.

Perro Viejo, Confitería Los Ángeles and La Colchona are some of the establishments you should visit in your search for a Sevillian version of torrijas that will convince your palate. Although the truth is that if you don't have the chance to go to too many restaurants on your visit, if you try just one it will be enough to fulfil this important Easter culinary tradition.

You should also know that a culinary tour of this kind is one of the best things to do in Seville with children, knowing that it is a dessert that is almost always enjoyed as a child. As well as because it is an activity that takes you away from the crowds and crowded churches so that the family can enjoy a quieter and more conventional time.

Easter is also synonymous with enjoying these short holidays in the middle of spring by exploring natural places that are characterised by their beauty. On a visit to Seville these places would be the Sierra Norte or the Doñana National Park, both of which are located in the north and south of the city and can be a perfect escape from the crowds that fill the streets of Spain's fourth largest city.

Both sites are considered one of the best tours and excursions from Seville, at least when it comes to nature. In the first place, the Sierra Norte, you'll find hiking trails that can help you to switch off your mind in a very special way. With the Doñana National Park the picture changes completely, as it consists of wetlands that also have dunes and in this case a 4x4 tour is a much more fun and unforgettable bet.

Both plans are recommended for the whole family and can be perfectly combined with the other cultural activities of Holy Week in Seville. Especially if it is a trip of more than four or five days in which a couple of hours for an excursion outside the city will not affect your chance to participate in the processions and visit the different churches.

The Fundación Cajasol is a cultural institution based in Seville that is dedicated to promoting the exploration of the city's historical and architectural heritage, as well as integrating the local population with these values.

It is one of the most important agents within the artistic and social scene of the city and, for this reason, it is quite common that during Holy Week they hold some special exhibitions. All of them are oriented towards the history of the brotherhoods, as well as the importance of the Sevillian processions for the culture of Spain.

The specific location of these exhibitions can change every year, as it all depends on the theme of these events as well as the amount of space they need. Either way, participating in the world of Sevillian art and culture is one of the best things to do on a 5 day trip to Seville, especially during Easter Week, knowing that the city with its museums and galleries becomes one of the most important tourist destinations in all of Spain.

Seville's gastronomy throughout the year is usually quite interesting because it combines the flavours of animal proteins such as veal and chicken with the seafood that defines Andalusian cities. During Holy Week and specifically throughout Lent, this is reconfigured, as fish becomes the true protagonist of most dishes.

Ratatouille with its characteristic sauce, cod croquettes, artichokes and spinach with chickpeas are just some of the dishes you have to try during Holy Week in Seville.

Therefore, a gastronomic tour that allows you the chance to taste the typical Sevillian tapas of Lent along with a wine tasting is something you should not miss. Even more so if it is a high level gourmet experience that can give you the degree of exclusivity you are looking for.