Holy Week programming in Galicia offers a variety of activities to enjoy its traditions, savor its cuisine, and experience its rich cultural heritage.
Today we want to highlight the most notable events within each of the internationally and nationally recognized festivals, essential experiences you shouldn’t miss.
VIVEIRO HOLY WEEK – Festivals of International Tourist Interest
Viveiro’s Holy Week is celebrated from Dolores Friday to Easter Sunday. Among its events, the “Procession of the Encounter” on Good Friday stands out.
In Praza Maior and the atrium of Santa María, the falls of Christ carrying the cross are dramatically portrayed, while the Virgin, Veronica, and Saint John search for him—creating a moment of intense tradition and emotion you can’t miss.
FERROL HOLY WEEK – Festivals of International Tourist Interest
Ferrol’s Holy Week takes place from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. One of the highlights is the procession of Os Caladiños, held on Good Friday at 11:30 p.m.
The route starts at the Co-Cathedral of San Julián and winds through several streets of the historic center, ending at Amboage Square. The procession is characterized by the profound silence surrounding participants and spectators, broken only by drums and chains, creating a unique, breathtaking atmosphere. Traditionally, it concludes with the Salve Regina in honor of the Virgin of Sorrows.
FESTAS DO SANTÍSIMO CRISTO – Galician Festivals of Tourist Interest
The Santo Cristo de Fisterra begins in March and continues until Easter Monday, with a program full of tradition and devotion.
The highlight is Easter Sunday, with a live reenactment of the Resurrection of the Lord at Santa María das Areas Church, featuring living characters in a scene reminiscent of an ancient mystery play, culminating with the traditional “Hallelujah!”
The celebration continues with the encounter of the Mother with her Risen Son, accompanied by bell ringing, fireworks, dove releases, and band music. It concludes with the Dance of Our Lady of Areas, also known as the Dance of the Sticks, honoring the Virgin.
CANGAS HOLY WEEK – Galician Festivals of Tourist Interest
Cangas celebrates Holy Week from March 7 to Easter Sunday, with a program full of tradition. A highlight is the Good Friday Procession, known as the Procession of the Holy Encounter, accompanied by the Bellas Artes de Cangas Music Band. The procession features the Falls of the Nazarene, with a unique articulated figure of Jesus—one of the most striking elements of the celebration.
PARADELA (MEIS) HOLY WEEK – Galician Festivals of Tourist Interest
Paradela (Meis) celebrates Holy Week from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, with a program steeped in tradition. The highlight occurs on Good Friday, with a reenactment of Jesus’ final hours in the church atrium. A Via Crucisfollows to Mount A Croa, culminating in the Crucifixion, a profoundly moving experience when witnessed in person.
BETANZOS HOLY WEEK – Galician Festivals of Tourist Interest
Betanzos celebrates Holy Week from March 28 to Easter Sunday, transforming the historic center into a unique stage for processions, liturgical celebrations, and sacred music concerts. Among its highlights is the Sacred Music Cycle, the true star of these dates, with a curated selection of concerts worth experiencing.
MONDOÑEDO HOLY WEEK – Galician Festivals of Tourist Interest
Mondoñedo celebrates Holy Week from Passion Sunday to Easter Sunday, in a setting rich in history and tradition.
One of the most notable events is the Procession of Solitude on Good Friday, where participants accompany the Virgin with lit candles, creating an intimate and solemn atmosphere. During the procession, Plorans by Maestro Pacheco is performed—a unique piece only heard in Mondoñedo and the Royal Chapel of Madrid.
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA HOLY WEEK – Galician Festivals of Tourist Interest
Santiago de Compostela celebrates Holy Week from Passion Friday to April 12 (Dominica in Albis).
Highlights include visiting the city’s monumental churches, open with special schedules during this period, and attending sacred and spiritual music concerts—a unique experience combining art, devotion, and tradition.
LUGO HOLY WEEK – Galician Festivals of Tourist Interest
Lugo’s Holy Week takes place from Wednesday, March 25 to Easter Sunday. A key event is the Holy Supper Procession on Maundy Thursday, a unique privilege of Lugo Cathedral since 1963. The solemn Blessed Sacrament Procession traverses the main streets of the historic center, offering attendees a deeply reverent and devotional experience.
O CARBALLIÑO HOLY WEEK – Galician Festivals of Tourist Interest
O Carballiño celebrates Holy Week from Passion Sunday to Easter Sunday. A notable feature is the way participants carry floats using the “double shoulder” or false costal, accompanied by unique musical arrangements.
On Good Friday, the Procession of the Christ of Health takes place, where 14 penitents carry crosses, symbolizing Christ’s path to Calvary in an act of solemnity and emotion.
The Solemn Procession of the Holy Burial, known as Os Caladiños, also stands out, opening with the Processional Cross, the brotherhood’s banner, and the Lignum Crucis, guarded by barefoot penitents and mantilla wearers.
Don’t miss this opportunity to witness one of the most authentic expressions of Holy Week in Galicia!
