Easter Week, or Semana Santa, is a highly anticipated event in Spain, and this year, the dates for Holy Week are set later than usual. From Sunday, April 13 to Sunday, April 20, 2025, Spain will embrace the spiritual and cultural traditions of the season, offering an ideal opportunity for rest and travel. For many, it means up to five days off, depending on the region, and is the perfect chance to enjoy a long break—whether that’s exploring Spain or simply unwinding at home. Here’s everything you need to know about the dates, regional holidays, and how to maximize your time off during Semana Santa.
When Is Semana Santa 2025 and Why Does the Date Change?
This year, Semana Santa takes place from Sunday, April 13 to Sunday, April 20. Unlike Christmas, Easter follows a shifting date system based on the lunar calendar. The general rule is that Easter Sunday falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox, making the date fluctuate each year. As a result, this year’s Easter celebration falls later than in 2024, with the holiday never starting earlier than March 22 and never ending later than April 25.
Why Semana Santa Is So Significant in Spain
Semana Santa is more than just time off; it’s a deeply significant cultural and religious observance. The processions, particularly in cities like Seville, Málaga, and Valladolid, are visually striking and emotionally charged. The week commemorates the final days of Jesus Christ’s life, starting with Palm Sunday and culminating in Easter Sunday. While the religious aspect is central, the celebrations have a unique atmosphere that captivates even non-believers, with Spain’s rhythm slowing to match the gravity of the week.
Regional Holidays: How to Enjoy the Longest Easter Break in Spain
In terms of public holidays, Good Friday (April 18) is a nationwide holiday, so everyone across Spain will enjoy that day off. However, depending on where you are, you might be in for even more time off:
Five-Day Break (Thursday, April 17 to Monday, April 21): Residents in regions such as Catalonia, the Valencian Community, Navarre, La Rioja, the Basque Country, and Murcia will enjoy a five-day break, with both Holy Thursday (April 17) and Easter Monday (April 21) as public holidays. A perfect extended weekend!
Four-Day Break (Thursday, April 17 to Sunday, April 20): In other regions, including Andalusia, Madrid, the Canary and Balearic Islands, Galicia, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y León, Aragón, Extremadura, and more, Holy Thursday and Good Friday are public holidays, offering a four-day weekend for a quick getaway or a well-deserved rest.
Extra Holidays and Regional Variations
Some regions may offer additional holidays during the week. For example, Aragon and Castilla y León observe an extra holiday on Wednesday, April 23, for regional celebrations, although it falls mid-week and does not create an additional long weekend. Andalusia has already had its spring holiday bonus with a break in February, so they won’t have extra days off in April.
A Time to Recharge
Whether you’re immersing yourself in religious traditions, enjoying the beauty of Spain’s towns and cities, or simply relaxing at home, Semana Santa in Spain is an excellent opportunity to pause and reflect. With a bit of luck and the right location, you could enjoy a few extra days off this spring—making it an ideal time to recharge and take in the country’s rich cultural offerings.
