Easter in Marbella | A Vibrant Celebration

The Easter season in Marbella holds great significance and is steeped in age-old customs. It presents an ideal opportunity for introspection and personal growth. This blog will familiarise you with Andalusia's Easter traditions and Marbella's schedule during this holy week.

The most significant and long-awaited tradition is that of the procession. During this event, everyone comes together on the streets of Marbella to enjoy the beauty and pray. The procession consists of the images and sculptures that are held inside the church being taken out and carried on large floats with floral embellishments. One can expect to see the Virgins, Christ and the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth.

• The Nazarenos, also known as penitents, are responsible for walking in front of the procession, holding candles and incense. They symbolise the upcoming procession and are dressed in a robe, cape, and caproate.
• The Mantillas are one of the oldest traditions of Easter Week in Andalusia. It consists of women dressed in mourning clothes with combs in their hair, covered with a lace headscarf. They are a symbol of respect, and also walk along with the procession.
• La Saeta is one of the most emotional performances of Easter Week. Directed at the carved piece, it is a religious song that is performed, being a symbol of the day of Passion.

Some of the most significant churches of Marbella complete their processions during the week:

Palm Sunday

Commencing the Easter Week is the procession of the revered Hermandad de Nuestro Padre Jesús Cautivo, María Santísima de la Encarnación y Santa Marta, la Pollinica, accompanied by a retinue of 300 devout penitents, known as nazarenos. This auspicious occasion marks the advent of the holy season and showcases an array of significant religious personalities mounted on floats. The procession sets off from the Parroquia of San Pedro, traversing through the town's streets, rendering the spectacle momentous.

Easter Monday

Monday marks the commencement of yet another revered procession, which sets off from the Ermita del Santo Cristo, nestled in the heart of Marbella's historic Old Town. The esteemed Hermandad del Santísimo Cristo Atado a la Columna and María Santísima Virgen Blanca organise the procession. It is characterized by an entourage of approximately 325 devoted penitents draped in white capirotes and green tunics. The sombre yet grand procession is an awe-inspiring sight as it moves through the streets of Marbella. The spectacle serves as a poignant reminder of the Easter season's spiritual significance and its adherents' enduring faith.

Easter Tuesday

Tuesday heralds the commencement of yet another impressive procession, the Encarnacion, a prominent landmark situated in the heart of Marbella's historic Old Town. The procession is distinguished by a retinue of 350 devout penitents draped in black capirotes, marching solemnly through the town's streets. The procession culminates with a breathtaking passage through the Virgen de los Dolores street, which is a poignant and moving experience. This sacred spectacle offers a glimpse into Andalusia's rich cultural and religious heritage and underscores the Easter season's enduring significance.

Easter Wednesday

There are 2 processions held on this day. One of the processions commences from the Casa Hermandad, situated in Nueva Andalucia, while the other originates from the Encarnación, the heart of Marbella's Old Town. The latter procession is a grand and impressive affair, distinguished by the presence of 225 devout Nazarenes, 110 bearers, and over 40 Mantillas. The awe-inspiring spectacle is an ode to the enduring faith and religious fervour of the people of Andalucia, who have kept alive the traditions and rituals of the Easter season for centuries.

Easter Thursday

One of the most significant processions of the Easter Week begins at the Parroquia in San Pedro, transporting one of the most ancient and revered carved pieces through the streets of Marbella; you don't want to miss it! Another prestigious procession, the Nazarene, is staged in San Pedro, with 600 devoted brothers and an entourage of 9 Nazarenes and 9 Mantillas accompanying each saint.

Good Friday

In Nueva Andalucia, the procession commences from the Casa Hermandad. At the same time, in Marbella, the solemn state of penitence is initiated at the Church of Incarnation, followed by a stately procession through the town's streets. The occasion is a poignant reminder of the enduring significance of the Easter season.

Easter Sunday

The final day of Easter Week is a truly beautiful and joyous occasion, marked by a spectacular procession that draws crowds of spectators to the streets. The procession is a culmination of the week's events, with brothers from all brotherhoods joining in, evoking a sense of community and shared devotion. The atmosphere is electric, with a sense of joy and celebration permeating the air.