Holy Week in Alboraya
Semana Santa (Easter) is just around the corner in Alboraya. These festivities, declared of Provincial Tourist Interest since 2018, are of great importance to the citizens of the area. If you are staying in Port Saplaya at this time, we recommend that you come and enjoy them.
When is Semana Santa celebrated in Alboraya?
As we all know, Semana Santa changes its dates every year as it depends on the astronomical full moon. Thus, it is the Sunday immediately after the first full moon after the March equinox. The dates range from March 22 to April 25.
This 2025, Semana Santa in Alboraya (and throughout Spain) will be celebrated from April 17 (Holy Thursday) to Sunday, April 20.
History of Semana Santa in Alboraya
Semana Santa is a festival of special interest in Alboraya and Port Saplaya. Ten different brotherhoods take part, with incredible hand-made floats that go out in procession accompanied by the members of the brotherhood.
This festival has a long tradition in the town, with evidence of its celebration dating back to the 16th century. In 1975, the Local Board of Brotherhoods and Corporations of Alboraya was founded, which brings together all the brotherhoods. This is one of the most important parts of these festivals in Alboraya, which led to the birth of many groups in institutions of great importance in the social life of Alboraya (Musical Society, Mercantile Athenaeum and Agricultural Cooperative).
How Semana Santa is celebrated in Alboraya
As in many other places, the most important events of the Semana Santa celebration in Alboraya begin on non-working holidays: Holy Thursday and Good Friday. However, the festivities begin much earlier. In February the Proclamation takes place and then each brotherhood makes its move during Holy Week (until Holy Wednesday). The last event is the Meeting on Easter Sunday.
The main processions are:
- Friday of Dolores: Transfer of the Germandat dels Set Dolors pass.
- Passion Saturday: Transfer of the float of the Brotherhood of Mercy
- Palm Sunday: Solemn procession of palms and transfer of the float of the Royal Brotherhood of the Holy Face
- Holy Monday: Transfer of the float of the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre and the Holy Chalice. Penitential Way of the Cross carrying the Christ of the Souls from the Vilanova Hermitage through the Alboraya orchard to the Church.
- Holy Tuesday: Transfer of the Steps of the Corporation of Grenadiers of the Virgin of Solitude and the Holy Chalice.
- Holy Wednesday: Transfer of the Steps of the Brotherhood of Prayer in the Garden and Our Lady of Hope and the Holy Chalice, and of the Brotherhood of the Purest Blood.
- Holy Thursday, Day of Fraternal Love and Local Council Day: Solemn Procession of Jesus Arrested.
- Good Friday, at 9:00 a.m.: Pious Stations of the Cross and Solemn Holy Burial.
- Holy Saturday, at 11:30 p.m.: Glorious Encounter of the Risen Jesus and Our Lady of Love.
Please note that this is an approximate schedule based on previous years. However, at any time during that week you can enjoy an unrivalled festive atmosphere. Make the most of your stay in Port Saplaya and experience the authentic Holy Week in one of the Valencian towns where it is most celebrated.
If you are looking for accommodation near Valencia and Alboraya for Easter, Apartamentos Port Saplaya is the best option for its comfort and incredible views.