Easter Weekend - A Part of 'Semana Santa' in Barcelona
The period known as 'Semana Santa' (Holy Week) is very important in Spain. During Easter week Catholics celebrate the period with various ceremonies, masses and processions. However, as with the rest of the world, Easter in Spain is no longer just about religion. It is a lovely time to be in the city, as the streets are filled with people enjoying the long weekend, the windows of chocolate shops and patisseries are piled with treats and Spring is in the air.
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| Escriba Bakery's Easter Selection |
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| The Santa Maria Church |
Be warned that, due to the fact that the weekend is a Spanish holiday many facilities will not be open on the Friday and the Monday of the weekend.
In this article I will provide details of what is open during Easter weekend, what activities are available and what you should look out for if you are visiting during this period.
A Guide to the Days of Semana Santa
Good Friday
This is the Friday before Easter Sunday. It is a public holiday in Spain. You will find that a large majority of the shops are closed. Many of the bars and restaurants will also be closed.
Easter Saturday
Easter Saturday is not a public holiday, so everything runs as normal. The shops and markets are open and are busy with people getting stocked up for the next three days.
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday, like every other Sunday in Barcelona, most of the shops are closed. Many of the restaurants are also closed, however many will be open to serve those enjoying family holiday meals. There are many masses and religious processions.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday is a public holiday. The large majority of shops and restaurants are closed.
For specific information regarding what restaurants will be open over the Easter period check our page: Restaurants opend during Easter in Barcelona
Masses and Processions During Semana Santa
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| Semana Santa Notices |
The Easter period gives rise to various religious ceremonies and processions in Barcelona. If you are in the city for this period and would like to attend one of these it is best to go to the church closest to you for information. You will find that most churches contain information boards displaying details of events taking place.
Some of the larger churches and the cathedral will have masses with choirs and processions ending at their location. Barcelona's cathedral is located close to the top of the Ramblas. Its details are provided below.
Santa Esglesia Catedral Basilica de Barcelona
Plaza de la Seu
08002 Barcelona, España
Tel: +34 93 342 8260
Metro: Jaume I (Yellow Line, L4)
Opening Hours (on Public Holidays):
Entrance Free: Monday - Friday: 08:00 - 12:45, 17:15 - 19:30
Saturday: 08:00 - 12:45, 17:15 - 20:00
Sunday and Holidays: 08:00 - 13:45, 17:15 - 20:00
Entrance €6.00 with a guide:
Monday - Saturday: 13:00 - 17:00
Sunday and Holidays: 14:00 - 17:00
Chocolate in Barcelona - Museu de la Xocolata
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| Barcelona's Chocolate Museum |
Barcelona has a long tradition of producing and consuming great quality chocolate. No time of year celebrates chocolate more than Easter, making it a great time to be in Barcelona. Chocolate shops and patisseries display chocolate sculptures of varying degrees of intricacy and creativity. And nowhere is this better displayed than in the Museu de la Xocolata (Chocolate Museum) in the El Born area.
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| People Queuing at the Museum |
This museum is always popular but during the days of Semana Santa a queue forms down the street. There are a few special courses available during the Easter period, but in general there is the same display that is on show all year round.
One of the highlights of the museum trip is the entrance ticket. In true Willy Wonka style the 'golden ticket' itself is a bar of chocolate. This is very helpful when walking around a museum of chocolate sculptures - without it I may have been tempted to break into one of the display cases!
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| A Chocolate Version of Gaudi's Famous Dragon | The Chocolate Ticket |
The museum comprises a short history of chocolate and various sculptures made from chocolate - everything from the Sagrada Familia to Hello Kitty are there. There is also a section with changing temporary exhibitions - on my visit it was a Barcelona FC themed display.
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| The Museum Shop |
This was a great Easter activity for all the family - the children's enthusiasm is infectious as they run from life sized chocolate footballer to chocolate Asterix scene! The shop and café at the end of the tour provide an opportunity to buy some quality chocolate gifts of simply sip on one of their thick hot chocolates.
Prices:
Over 7 years old: €4.30
Under 7 years old: Free
Opening Times:
Monday - Saturday: 10:00 - 19:00
Sunday: 10:00 - 15:00
Museu de la Xocolata
Calle Comerç, 36
08003 Barcelona, España
Metro: Arc de Trimph (Red Line, L1)
Tel: +34 93 268 7878
Web: http://www.pastisseria.com/en/PortadaMuseu
All in all, Semana Santa is a lovely time to be in the city of Barcelona. With two bank holidays in a row spirits are high and there is a sense of occasion amongst the local community. However, do remember that this is not a normal weekend in Barcelona; if you are planning on hitting the shops or trying out lots of different restaurants it may be a safer bet to come on a normal weekend.
