Holy Week in Valencia is one of the city’s most emblematic celebrations, combining religious fervor, culture, and centuries-old traditions. Although the Valencian Community is known for its Fallas, Holy Week also plays a significant role, especially in the coastal neighborhoods. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to make the most of it, with a special focus on family plans and the famous Semana Santa Marinera.
Holy Week Traditions in Valencia
The processions and liturgical acts mark the celebration of Holy Week in Valencia. Some of the most significant traditions include:
- Processions: Throughout the week, different brotherhoods march through the streets with impressive religious images, some of which are centuries old.
- Encounters: Acts that reenact key moments of the Passion of Christ, such as the Encounter between the Virgin and Jesus Nazareno.
- Blessing of the Sea: An exclusive event of the Semana Santa Marinera, where priests bless the Mediterranean Sea to honor deceased sailors.
- The Tamborada: A spectacular drumming event in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento that marks the beginning of Holy Week.
Plans and Activities for Holy Week in Valencia 2025
Valencia offers a variety of activities to enjoy during these festive days. Here are some of the most notable plans for this year:
- Festival Lux Bella
- 📅 Date: April 16–20, 2025
- 🎟️ Price: Tickets from €10 at www.iglesiajesuitasvalencia.org
- Tapas Tour
- 📅 Dates: Every week from Monday to Saturday
- 📍 Location: Restaurants in the historic city center
- Excursion to Albufera
- 📅 Dates: Every week from Monday to Saturday, with morning or afternoon shifts
- 📍 Location: Albufera Natural Park
Holy Week in Valencia with Kids
If you’re traveling with family, Valencia offers many child-friendly plans:
- Children’s Processions: Some brotherhoods organize parades for children, allowing them to participate in the tradition in a fun way.
- Craft Workshops at the Natural Science Museum
- 📅 Date: April 14–18, 2025
- ⏰ Hours: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- 🎟️ Price: Free with prior registration. More info at www.cac.es
- Easter Egg Hunt at the Turia Gardens
- This activity can be done independently for a fun family day at one of the most beautiful parks in the city.
- Excursion to the Caves of San José
📅 Dates: Every week from Monday to Sunday
🎟️ Check our website for all details
Semana Santa Marinera in Valencia 2025
Semana Santa Marinera is one of the most unique celebrations in Valencia and takes place in the coastal neighborhoods of Grau, Cabanyal, and Canyamelar. Its main features are:
- Holy Burial Procession
- 📅 Date: April 18, 2025
- ⏰ Time: 6:30 PM
- 📍 Location: Streets of Cabanyal and Canyamelar
- Blessing of the Sea
- 📅 Date: April 18, 2025
- ⏰ Time: 8:00 AM
- 📍 Location: Playa de las Arenas
- ✨ A moving event in honor of deceased sailors.
- Resurrection Parade
- 📅 Date: April 20, 2025
- ⏰ Time: 1:00 PM
- 📍 Location: Avenida del Mediterráneo
- 🎉 Participants wear bright colors and throw flower petals.
You can check the full program on their official website: semanasantamarinera.org
What to Eat During Holy Week in Valencia
Holy Week also brings with it flavors you shouldn’t miss. Here are the 5 dishes we recommend trying during your visit to Valencia:
- Cod Croquettes: Also known as “buñuelos,” “albóndigas de bacalao,” or in Valencian, “mandonguilles d’abaetxo.” This delicious combination of cod and potato, with a touch of garlic and parsley, stands out for its incredibly fluffy interior and crispy exterior, making it irresistible.
- Titaina de Tollina or Tuna: A deeply rooted dish in Valencian cuisine, often found in many homes and extending beyond Holy Week. Known as Valencian ratatouille, it’s a sautéed dish with tomatoes, red and green peppers, pine nuts, and seasoned with garlic, although some prefer to leave it out. The special touch is “tonyina” or “tollina de sorra,” which is salted tuna belly, adding a unique and characteristic flavor.
- Pepitos: A small bread roll from which the tip and the crumb are removed and filled with titaina. But the preparation doesn’t end there: it’s closed again with the same tip, secured with a toothpick, soaked in milk, dipped in egg, and fried until golden and crispy. A real treat!
- Easter Sausage (Longaniza de Pascua): Also known as “llonganissa,” this is not just any sausage. It’s a long, thin sausage with a strong blend of spices, cured until it reaches the ideal point for eating it raw.
- Mona de Pascua: Known as “panou” or “panquemao,” this is the most typical Easter sweet in Valencia. With Arab origins, it’s a cake made of flour, eggs, and sugar that’s enjoyed during tea time. Traditionally, it has a hard-boiled egg in the center, though nowadays it’s often replaced with a chocolate one. If it’s small and has anise seeds on top, it’s the classic Mona de Pascua.
Enjoy Holy Week in Valencia with Our Tours and Excursions
Experience Holy Week in Valencia in a unique way with our guided tours and personalized excursions. Discover the city’s history, its traditions, and its most iconic spots with our tours. Book now! 👉 www.valenciaandgo.com
