Semana Santa, or Saint’s Week, is an important celebration rooted deep in the age-old Catholic traditions of Spain. The best place to see the famous processions that take place during this holy week is in Hondarribia; a historic seaside village just outside of San Sebastian. Just as the architecture of this important medieval town has been preserved, so too have the traditions of Semana Santa.

The processions will be celebrated on April 6th, Good Friday or Viernes Santo. On this day, 10 images that represent the passion and death of Jesus are paraded along the town’s ancient streets.

One of the characteristic features of Hondarribia´s celebrations is the fall of the roman soldiers, which takes place Sunday during the 10 o’clock mass after the “Procesión del Encuentro”.

As soon as the mass ends, the soldiers rise up as if they had been resuscitated and parade through the streets holding their spears and swords backward. These religious celebrations can be traced back to the beginning of the 17th century.

Note: There will be no school April 5th, 6th, and 9th.