Easter 2005
 

I spend the month of march in Andalucia each year but have never experianced Easter and the related festivities. In 2005 Easter Week falls in march. I would appreciate any advice,comments or web sites that will help me plan to take in the most interesting festivals etc especially in Malaga.

ttt

TTT

Semana Santa (Holy week: leading up to Easter Sunday) in Sevilla is unique and impressive. Most Processions are on Good Friday or begin Thursday night and continue all night. La Macarena is like that in that it starts around midnight and ends at the Basilica and el Portal de la Macarena around 11 AM Friday. I found it a very emotional thing with Gypsies on the balconys along the route sang to la Virgen as the float passed.

Thursday is a day dedicated to 'correr Monumentos:' Many young couples dress in typical Andaluz garb and visit the Cathedral and other Churches.

Sorry, I haven't been to Malaga for Semana Santa but I have been told that they have an impressive Procession in that city also.

We were in Seville for Semana Santa and it was fascinating, but I advise you to get hotel and train reservations far in advance. Seems half of Spain was also there!

I will be staying 15 minutes from Malaga. Any ideas for Malaga?

Since you are an experienced traveler to Spain, you should be aware that Malaga has one of the more interesting spectacles during holy week. We will be there this year and while there, are looking forward to visiting the new Picasso Museum. What more could you want?

The new Picasso Museum is fabulous and I also enjoyed visiting Picasso's house just a few blocks away. Also highly recommend the Gibralfara--Moorish palace with great views and stopping for wine at the nearby Parador as well as the Alcazar and Cathedral. I really enjoyed our time in Malaga. We even got lost trying to find the city center and 2 policemen escorted us to it! We were so impressed!

We've never been to spain but will be arriving in Seville on 26 March for a few days before going on to Malaga. Does anyone know if restaurants are open on Easter Sunday. Also - is there one particular church we should try to attend services at? Thx

We were at Semana Santa in Malaga 2003. Wonderful. You can pick up the details of the processions at the tourist offices. They run all week up to Easter Sunday, and seem to have the theme of the day (eg Friday was darker and more sombre). The brotherhoods carry these huge shrines from thier churches and through Malaga for hours and hours. Locals dressed in their best. Great experience - good food on the streets (I remember the prawns!) and a real taste of Spain. Suggest parking just outside Malag (eg at the Plaza Major shopping centre) and getting train in for the last few stops. And be ready for a very late night. It is nice to go to a smaller one too to see how it is celebrated - we went into Marbella for part of good Friday.

Thanks Sarh. That is the info I needed.Any suggestions for the best place to view the processions?

The Easter procession at noon from the small church in Nerja still brings tears to my eyes--very moving.

Bob: noon on what day?

Along with CMeyer above, I'd like to know exactly what is closed during Easter weekend. We are arriving in Madrid on Good Friday and are wondering about restaurants, museums, trains, taxis, car rental offices, etc. Any tips? Thanks

You won't have any transportation problems in Madrid at Easter--taxis, trains, metro, etc. will all be available. As far as museums go, I know the Prado closes on Good Friday but others such as the Reina Sofia are open. There are lots of tourists in Spain at Easter, so most attractions are open. Some restaurants may be closed, but you won't have any problem finding a place to eat in Madrid, especially in the center of town.

TTT Bob??

Bob the Navigator .I note you are back on this site so can you look at the Q I asked yu 10/20/04 please.

TTT for Bob the Navigator