While British temperatures can be famously unreliable in Spring, Spain Easter holidays promise sun-dappled days and baby blue skies. Pleasant weather is not the only appeal, however, as this time of year also brings Semana Santa (Holy Week), one of Spain’s most significant religious festivals, commemorated with a kaleidoscope of festivities and colourful parades. Each region boasts its own unique Easter traditions, so wherever you choose to spend your Spain Easter holidays, you’re guaranteed a slice of the celebration. In Andalucia, marvel at the elaborate processions which suffuse the streets, consisting of intricate pasos (floats) and ornate tronos (thrones). Seville’s parades are equally extravagant, with painted wooden sculptures depicting the historic events of Easter.
Gathering with family is another major aspect of Easter in Spain, making it the perfect place and time for a family holiday. Food is often the centrepiece of these family celebrations and authentic culinary offerings are crafted for the enjoyment of every generation. Start with crispy croquetas and smoky sopa de ajo (garlic soup), followed by flavourful bacalao al pil-pil (cod in pil-pil sauce) or rich bacalao con salsa de pimientos (cod with romesco sauce). For those with a sweet tooth, the Spanish alternatives to Easter eggs come in the form of sugar-coated torrijas (similar to French toast) and honey-glazed pestiños (deep-fried sweet pastry), delicacies which the Basque Country does particularly well.