Every year, Asturias commemorates Semana Santa (Holy Week) with an abundance of celebration. For those visiting, it’s a wonderful way to get to know the culture, history and spirit of local life, and the huge variety of events promises a unique experience for everyone. No matter the city you visit, there are plenty of opportunities to witness Asturian traditions, such as folkloric music and dancing, as well as savour local Easter specialties. From holy processions to coastal horseracing, we’re sure you’ll be surprised by the range of celebrations offered during Easter Week in Asturias!
If you’re planning a trip to Asturias during Easter, read on to discover what, where, and when you should visit. And if you need a little bit of extra help planning, feel free to contact us for a customized tour to suit all your needs!
Key Locations
Holy Week (Semana Santa) in Asturias has its roots in the 16th century. With the Counter-Reformation in the 16th–18th centuries, Catholicism began to increase its presence in Spain, and many brotherhoods (cofradías) began to organise more formal processions in Asturias in cities like Oviedo, Gijón, Avilés, and Villaviciosa. Since then, its popularity has experienced many changes, both surging and waning depending on the governing body of the time. However, there has been a modest revival of interest in recent years, and now Semana Santa is observed as both as a religious practice and a cultural event.
The main holy processions occur in the old quarters of each town. Here are some of the most renowned processions…
Easter Week in Oviedo.
What is it? The capital of Asturias, Oviedo is a classic stop for any visitor. Each day from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, processions wind through Oviedo’s old town, with key events centred around the Catedral de San Salvador, an iconic Gothic cathedral and pilgrimage site along the Camino de Santiago.
Why visit? The marching bands are a great way to experience traditional music (played by bagpipes, known as gaitas). If you’re into local cuisine, you’ll also find the “Bocados del Cofrade” festival happens around this time, offering small bites, tapas, and dishes with ingredients typical of Semana Santa.
Easter Week in Gijón.
What is it? Throughout Holy Week, this coastal city enjoys processions that start from the Church of San Pedro, pass through the historic centre, and end in Cimadevilla. The most outstanding of these is the procession of the Borriquilla, which is held on Palm Sunday and is dedicated to children.
Why visit? The Sidracrucis is a unique procession that involves the local specialty of cider. A cider bus is set up to enjoy visits to traditional cider houses, perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in local culture. Plus, you can also stop at the Gijón Artisan and Organic Market, which has plenty of Asturian crafts and cuisine.
Easter Week in Avilés.
Easter Week in Avilés has been recognized as a Festival of Tourist Interest in Asturias since 2003, thanks to the rich history and exceptional quality of its processions. In this city, there are over 10 processions in total!
Why visit? The end of the procession marks an important festival, which is also declared as a National Tourist Interest. This Fiesta del Bollo sports a parade of floats and folklore groups, and in the nearby fisherman village of Luanco, you can also enjoy the delicious Marañuelas Festival (a typical Easter biscuit!)
There are plenty more processions in the smaller towns of Asturias. Notably, Easter in Villaviciosa, Luarca, Candás and L’Infiestu are gaining popularity each year, and offer an even more authentic experience. We’re sure you’ll find the ambiance of each city unforgettable.
Cultural Events
As well as processions and festivals, there are plenty of more modern celebrations during Holy Week. These capture both the spirit of the holiday and the natural charm of Asturias, in beautiful and sometimes hidden locations. Here are three you should add to your Easter itinerary:
“Vía Crucis Viviente” in Villanueva de Oscos
Every Maundy Thursday, the picturesque village of Villanueva de Oscos stages a popular theatrical reenactment of the Passion according to Saint Mark. With the participation of all the residents, the streets are transformed into an open-air theatre. Visitors can expect a heartfelt performance of the Living Stations of the Cross with music and of course, the stunning setting of Villanueva.
Ribadesella Beach Horse Races
What do horse racing and Easter have in common? At first glance, it seems like nothing! However, the coastal town of Ribadesella turns its sandy shoreline into a thrilling racetrack every Easter Friday, a tradition that has been maintained since the 18th century. It’s one of the most original events in the region, and it’s an unforgettable spectacle that marries Asturian culture, sporting spirit, and seaside ambiance.
Salmon Fair in Cornellana
Located in the council of Salas, Cornellana hosts the Salmon Fair every April, perfectly timed with the start of the fishing season. Celebrating the prized “Campanu de Asturias” (the first salmon of the season), the fair boasts an exciting auction that has become a social and cultural event in its own right. In addition to the festivities, visitors can explore the nearby Narcea river, join guided routes dedicated to salmon fishing, or tour the imposing monastery of San Salvador de Cornellana, a historical landmark along the Way of Saint James.
Key Advice for experiencing Easter Week in Asturias
To fully enjoy Holy Week in Asturias without running into any problems, it’s worth doing a bit of planning beforehand. Whether you’re eager to explore local customs, sample authentic Asturian dishes, or simply unwind in its tranquil settings, these tips will help ensure a smooth and memorable trip.
- Book in advance: This time of year typically draws large crowds, especially if it coincides with school vacations. Book your accomodations, museum tickets, or other adventure activities several weeks ahead to guarantee availability. Luckily, attendance to the majority of cultural events is free, so you’ll always have a Plan B anyway!
- Transportation: Driving is generally the most convenient way to explore Asturias, offering flexibility for visiting more rural areas. However, there are also reliable bus and train lines connecting the main cities and towns.
- Variable weather: Despite mild spring temperatures, some rainfall is common. Pack light, warm clothing, along with a waterproof jacket to stay prepared for sudden changes in the weather.
- Visiting hours and processions: Check the schedules for processions, museums, and monuments, as they may vary during the festive season.
Conclusion
Holy Week in Asturias is an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in northern Spain. Whether you’re drawn by the historical importance of the processions, the energy of unique events like Ribadesella’s beach races, or the charm of picturesque seaside villages, there’s something for every traveller. So plan ahead and get ready to immerse yourself in the heart of Asturian culture!
If you need any assistance or would like a tailor-made itinerary, don’t hesitate to reach out and let us help make your Easter visit to Asturias unforgettable. We have an amazing range of activities and tours on offer to add to your trip!
We hope this has been a useful guide to Easter in Asturias. ¡Hasta pronto!
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