Thinking about this for next Spring. Would Holy Week road traffic be difficult to manage for a driving trip staying in Paradores, taking in Granada, Cordova, perhaps the White Towns and staying in Sevilla for about 3-4 days during the Holy Week celebration? How crazy do things get during Holy Week in Sevilla for driving into the city and for an on foot tourist navagating the city for the first time? The trip would be altogether 2 weeks, two adults and a 14 year old daughter. Thanks in advance for any suggestions, opinions or advice.

Dana,<BR>Seville is very busy during Holy Week and you wouldn't want to drive (I don't think you'd want to drive there during any week). The only night I had a hard time walking the city due to processions and crowds was Good Friday. The rest of the week was fine.<BR><BR>M.

Excuse my spelling. I meant Andalusia. And while I'm at it, I have seen both Andalusia and Andalucia. Is one the Spanish and one the English spelling?

When IS holy week in 2003? Dates?

I had a friend take a tour to Spain and Portugal a few years ago during holy week. He found it totally bizarre. Customs such as throwing goats out of bell towers, etc. The parades with people dressed like the KKK were of no interest to him. If you think this is interesting, then certainly go at that time, but otherwise, i would go during normal times.

Hi Dana, try reading Michener's Spain, esp. the chapter on Sevilla and Holy Week. Personally we liked Malaga better, you could really get up close and personal, indeed part of the processions. We did take a bus into Sevilla for the day instead of driving. But you could easily stay in one of the hotels on the edge and take transportation into the center (cab). Otherwise we drove all over Andalusia last year during Holy Week and although busy had no trouble. It was a memorable experience. When is Holy Week, the week concluding in Easter Sunday? Judy

Just returned from Holy Week in Andalucia. It has pros and cons.<BR>Pros: if you like local customs and such, the night life becomes particularly vibrant and you can see the religious processions and floats which are interesting. Both my wife and I thought they were a worthwhile experience.<BR>Cons: Several museums and restaurants are closed, some attractions have limited hours, hotel prices are higher and vehicle traffic in the cities can get bad. Rural and highway driving was not bad and pedestrian traffic gets heavy at night, although if you enjoy people watching, that is a pro.<BR><BR>You'll have to decide for yourself. Personally, I think that two to three nights in Seville would be enough, especially because it gets very noisy and sleep can be difficult in many hotels. You can also partake of the same experience on a smaller scale in Grenada and Cordoba. Also be aware that hotels will need to be booked months, maybe even a year in advance, especially the Paradors. A special note about the Alhambra: book your ticket in advance or else you may be disappointed. There is a limit on the sale of tickets per day.<BR><BR>I'd avoid driving as much as possible in the towns and cities. Get in, get out and hoof it or cab for all the rest.

Judy - I was asking for dates. I know Holy Week is the week before Easter. Was hoping Dana would do me the courtesy of mentioning the date. Looked it up myself. Easter Sunday in 2003 is April 20th.

Holy Week is April 14-Easter Sunday the 20th. I found Holy Week is Seville to be both spectacular and quite moving.<BR><BR>M.

Leslie: How funny! Nothing to do with courtesy. I've not had access to a computer until this afternoon.<BR><BR>Thank-you for your insights about the pros and cons of traveling during Holy Week. My husband is perhaps more interested in the processions, customs and festival atmosphere than I am. The idea of being in such large crowds with noisy nights is more appealing to him than me, though I also am curious to see what this moving festival is all about. I will have to consider. But it sounds like for booking Paradores, I shouldn't wait too long. Thank you again! I find this forum continually helpful.