Valencia Easter Processions Schedule: Semana Santa Marinera Dates & Routes

When is Semana Santa in Valencia?

Semana Santa Marinera is tied to the movable feast of Easter, so dates change annually. In 2026, the celebration ran from March 27 to April 5, while in 2027 the official tourism portal lists dates from March 21 to March 28. Always verify the exact dates for your travel year on the official tourism website, as programmes can be adjusted.

Palm Sunday: Procession of the Palms

The main processions begin on Palm Sunday morning, which commemorates Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. In recent years, the interparochial blessing of palm and olive branches has been scheduled for around 10:00 AM, followed by a procession that gathers at the Mercado del Cabañal. From there, participants walk along streets such as Calle Mediterráneo and Calle de la Reina to the parish church, with a notable stop for the blessing at Plaza de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles.

In the evening, a separate transfer of the Santo Cáliz facsimile and other images may take place, but this is not a fixed event across all editions. To know exactly what happens on Palm Sunday in your visit year, consult the maritime brotherhoods' official programme, which is typically published closer to the dates.

Maundy Thursday: Procession of the Torches

Maundy Thursday night is marked by the Acto de la Profecía at the church of Santa María del Mar, followed by the Visita a los Santos Monumentos. This is a joint procession that winds through the maritime districts, visiting temporary chapels set up in private homes where brotherhoods house their icons during the week. The atmosphere is one of silence and candlelight, accompanied by the roll of drums and kettledrums.

The route for the Visita typically includes Avenida del Mediterráneo and Plaza del Tribunal de las Aguas, but exact streets can vary. For precise details on the torch processions, including the late-night Vía Crucis and the Procesión del Silencio, check the official programme from the Junta Mayor de la Semana Santa Marinera, as schedules are not yet published for future years.

Good Friday: Holy Burial and Beach Tribute

Good Friday begins early on the beach of Las Arenas, where at around 8:00 AM there is a tribute to those who lost their lives at sea. This moving ceremony involves taking figures of Christ to the shore, laying flowers in the water, and praying for peace. It is a powerful expression of the maritime identity that defines this celebration.

Later in the afternoon, the main procession of the week, the Procesión General del Santo Entierro, typically starts at 6:30 PM from Plaza de la Virgen de Vallivana. It is a long, solemn parade that lasts about five hours and winds through the narrow streets of the maritime neighbourhoods, featuring figures like La Veronica by Mariano Benlliure and living re-enactments of biblical characters.

The route passes through key points such as Calle de la Reina, Plaza de la Iglesia de los Ángeles, and Avenida del Puerto. To follow the exact path, it is best to obtain a programme with a route map from the tourism office or online closer to your visit date, as the precise itinerary may vary each year.

Easter Sunday: Resurrection Parade

Easter Sunday is a day of joy and colour. In the morning, the Santo Encuentro takes place, representing the meeting of the risen Christ with his mother. This moment is marked by the release of doves and showers of flower petals, a tradition that draws large crowds.

The highlight is the Resurrection Parade, which in recent editions has started at 1:00 PM from the Mercado del Cabañal. Unlike the sombre Good Friday procession, this is a festive parade where participants toss petals and the atmosphere is one of celebration. The route follows a similar path through the maritime districts, ending at Plaza de la Iglesia del Rosario.

Easter Monday: Quiet Returns

On Easter Monday, the processions become more intimate as brotherhoods return their statues to their permanent homes in churches. These smaller, late-afternoon or evening processions take place in different neighbourhoods like Cabañal and Grao, offering a chance to see the traditions up close without the crowds.

For many Valencians, Easter Monday is a family day, often spent enjoying the Mona de Pascua, a sweet Easter bread. Some shops and supermarkets may be closed or have reduced hours, so plan your errands in advance. It is also a good day to visit the Maritime Holy Week Museum to learn more about the festival's history and imagery.

Procession Starting Points and Routes

The main processions typically start from key locations such as the Mercado del Cabañal, Plaza de la Virgen de Vallivana, or churches like Santa María del Mar. The routes weave through streets like Calle Mediterráneo, Calle de la Reina, Avenida del Puerto, and Calle del Rosario, often passing by the parish churches of the three maritime districts.

Because exact routes and starting points can change from year to year, the most reliable method is to download the official programme, which usually includes a map. The Junta Mayor de la Semana Santa Marinera website and the Visit Valencia tourism site publish such details in the weeks before the celebration.

Unique Maritime Traditions

What sets the Semana Santa Marinera apart are its maritime-inspired customs. Processions on the sand are a striking feature, as penitents in hooded robes march along the beach to honour those lost at sea. This is a unique sight that you won't see in other Spanish cities.

Another distinctive element is the presence of 'Romans' – participants dressed as Praetorian guards, crusaders, or Napoleonic grenadiers – alongside the traditional penitents. This gives the processions a theatrical and historical character that is rare elsewhere.

The 'trencà dels perols' is a curious tradition on Holy Saturday night, when locals throw old tableware and buckets of water from their balconies to mark the end of Lent and the beginning of resurrection joy. It is a lively, messy custom that visitors should be aware of to avoid surprise.

Children also participate as biblical characters: little Lazaruses in bandages, Veronicas holding the cloth, even young Pontius Pilates. Families take pride in these roles, and the icons are often kept in private homes during the week, turning them into temporary chapels that are visited during the Visita a los Monumentos.

Practical Visiting Tips

To experience the processions, head to the maritime districts, easily reachable by tram or bus from the city centre. The best viewing spots are along Calle de la Reina or near the Plaça de l'Església dels Àngels, but arrive early for a good position, especially for the Holy Burial.

During Semana Santa, some shops and supermarkets may close or have reduced hours. As a backup, SuperCor is known to stay open throughout, but always check their availability. For a comprehensive overview of what to expect, see our general guide to Semana Santa celebrations across Spain.

For dining, many restaurants in the maritime districts remain open and offer special Easter menus. Be sure to try local specialities like Mona de Pascua. For more about exploring Valencia's festive side, consider our guide to the 9 d'Octubre celebrations, which show how the city honours its history.

Plan Your Visit

Valencia's Semana Santa Marinera is a unique fusion of faith, maritime culture, and Mediterranean spirit. Whether you witness the solemn beach tribute, the torch-lit processions, or the flower-strewn Resurrection Parade, you'll experience a side of Easter that few travellers see.

Before your trip, always confirm the exact dates and processional schedules on the official Visit Valencia site, as they are updated annually. With a little planning, you'll be well positioned to enjoy this remarkable Festival of National Tourist Interest.