Easter Week in Galicia is a manifestation of faith and culture that is experienced with special intensity in towns such as Cangas and Paradela, in the municipality of Meis. Both celebrations, although different in their development, offer visitors a unique experience full of devotion and tradition.
Easter Week in Cangas
Cangas, a seaside town in the province of Pontevedra, celebrates one of the most important Holy Weeks in Galicia, recognised as a Festival of Tourist Interest in Galicia. The antiquity of this celebration is reflected in the existence of brotherhoods such as the Virgen de los Dolores and de la Soledad, the Santísimo Cristo del Consuelo and the Misericordia, which date back to the 18th century.
The processions in Cangas are known for their solemnity and the fervour of the faithful. Among the most outstanding are.
- Friday of Passion: This begins with a high mass and culminates in a grand procession of the Virgin on an artistic throne under a canopy.
- Palm Sunday: The blessing of the palms takes place in the Xardíns de Félix Soage, followed by the procession with the image of Jesus mounted on the borriquita, especially loved by the little ones.
- Holy Wednesday: The ‘Procession of the Solitude of Mary’ goes through the old quarter, with a stop at the Plaza de la Señal for an offering to the Virgin.
- Maundy Thursday: The ‘Procession of the Holy Supper’ stands out, presided over by the valuable silver and gold processional cross, with pasos such as the ‘Holy Supper’ and ‘The Prayer in the Garden’.
- Good Friday: It begins with the morning procession ‘La Negación de San Pedro’, followed by the ‘Santo Encuentro’ in the Plaza de la Constitución. In the evening, the procession of the ‘Santo Entierro’ (Holy Burial) and, at midnight, the overwhelming ‘Procesión del Silencio’ (Procession of Silence).
This year, due to humanisation works in the centre of Cangas, the routes of some of the processions have been adapted to guarantee the safety and proper development of the events.
Easter Week in Paradela (Meis)
In the parish of Paradela, in the municipality of Meis, Holy Week is experienced in a unique way through open-air theatrical performances that recreate the last days of Jesus’ life. These stagings, with the active participation of the local residents, have turned Paradela into a reference point for Easter Week in Galicia.
The programme of events includes.
- Palm Sunday: in the morning, in the Plaza do Outeiro, the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem and the Blessing of the Branches are staged.
- Maundy Thursday: in the evening, in the atrium of the church, the staging of the Last Supper takes place.
- Good Friday: in the atrium of the church, the last hours of Jesus’ life are represented, followed by the Stations of the Cross to Monte da Croa, where the Crucifixion is staged. In the evening, at 10 p.m., the Desenclavo and the Holy Burial take place.
- Easter Saturday: the Resurrection Mass is celebrated, followed by a free tasting of the traditional Easter cake.
- Easter Sunday: the Resurrection of Jesus is staged in the church atrium, culminating in a sung Holy Mass.
In addition to the religious celebrations, both Cangas and Paradela and the surrounding area offer various activities to complement the visit.
Cangas: Enjoy the beaches of the Vigo estuary, go hiking along the Costa da Vela or visit the Maritime-Terrestrial National Park of the Atlantic Islands.
Paradela (Meis): Explore the Ruta da Pedra e da Auga, a path along the Armenteira river, or visit the Monastery of Armenteira, a jewel of Cistercian Romanesque architecture.
The Rías Baixas Wine Route allows you to visit local wineries and taste the famous Albariño wine.
Easter Week in Cangas and Paradela is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in centuries-old traditions and discover Galicia’s cultural and natural wealth.
