Frequently asked questions about Holy Week in Spain

The emblematic Spanish Holy Week is just around the corner. These are days of great ceremony and solemnity; but also of many questions.

Although some believe part of the charm of these dates lies in their mysterious, cryptic, almost initiatory character, there are doubts that come to mind and we believe they need an answer so that we can better understand this phenomenon that so fascinates our visitors. After asking several students, here are the most frequent questions regarding Holy Week (Semana Santa).

Why does the date of Holy Week change every year?

This is because its celebration adheres to the lunar calendar. The night the Jews managed to leave Egypt, there was a full moon. Thus, it would take place on the 15th of the Hebrew month of Nisan (remember that the Hebrew calendar is governed by the phases of the moon). Jesus would have celebrated his Last Supper precisely on the night of the Jewish Passover; in this way, due to the mobility of the lunar calendar relative to the one we use today—created from the Roman solar (or Julian) calendar—the date changes. Currently, to simplify the calculations, it is considered that Christian Easter Sunday is the Sunday following the first full moon that follows the spring equinox in the northern hemisphere.

How long has it been celebrated?

Don't worry if the rule mentioned above seems complicated to you; it was also complicated for the early Christians. Practically every congregation established its own calculations, so it became necessary to unify the criteria. This occurred during the Council of Nicaea in the year 325, but the recommendation was not accepted by the various churches of the world until the year 525.

What is the oldest Holy Week in Spain?

The Spanish Holy Week whose events were recorded earliest is that of Medina del Campo (Valladolid). The oldest records dealing with the celebration date back to 1411. At that time, it was already celebrated in a very similar way to today.

Why are processions held?

Processions do not occur only in the Christian sphere. In ancient civilizations, they were already organized as a way to publicly worship certain gods. The first Christians would adapt this custom first by carrying martyrs through the streets and later by representing the path Jesus took on the way to the hill where he would be crucified. Curiously, it is mentioned that in the Roman city of Itálica (in Seville), an image of the goddess Isis was already carried in procession.

Why are so many carvings and sculptures used?

In an era when few people knew how to read, the carvings of different Christs and Virgins served to explain different Gospel episodes, especially those of the Passion. Knowing this, we could say that in a procession we can see a specific moment in the life of Jesus. Over time, these carvings would gain prominence in their own right, generating the devotion of the various brotherhoods (cofradías).

Why do the penitents wear a "capirote"?

The capirote is that conical hat with a mask that covers the heads of many Spanish penitents in processions. It is not known for certain why this garment is used, although there are two main theories: some think that the pointed hats represent the souls of the believers rising to the heavens and the mask represents the fact that, before God, we are all equal. Others believe it is a remnant of the Inquisition era, which forced many sinners to parade through the streets wearing a garment called a “sambenito,” very similar to the habits of today's penitents.

Why are the typical Spanish sweets of this season so “heavy”?

Let's do a quick review of the typical pastries of these dates: torrijas (bread soaked in milk and fried), pestiños (fried pastry with honey or sugar), buñuelos (fried dough balls), traditional monas de pascua (baked cakes with an egg)... all these specialties are substantial and high in calories; but they are also among the oldest. Yes, both things are related: at the time they were created, Holy Week was a time of strict abstinence, which meant that hardly anything was eaten all day, so it was necessary to consume foods that did not break the prohibitions and that, additionally, filled the stomach for the whole day. And what better than golden baked or fried pastries soaked in honey or sugar?

These are the answers to those questions about these dates that linger in our heads. We tell you the truth: these are not only questions that intrigue foreign visitors, but also Spaniards themselves. So you can always come across as great experts when you attend the celebrations. Ah! And if you want to know more about Spanish Holy Week, don't hesitate to ask the Internet; you will find very interesting facts.