We are considering a trip to Spain during Semana Santa and wondering which cities are least affected by this holiday. We are considering Barcelona, Córdoba, San Sebastián, Granada and Valencia.
Thanks a lot for for any feedback.

Pat

Barcelona in terms of religious procession (they have some but won't close the whole city down) but not in terms of crowds as it's a popular holiday time. Both Andalucian towns of Granada and Córdoba will be very crowded. Valencia in between. Madrid is ok too.

Why do you ask? Are you wanting to avoid the processions and crowds which is easily done or are you thinking, like others have, that these cities are on holiday, which is not the case?

San Sebastian will also be very little affected, didn't notice any Semana Santa at all when I lived here some years ago.

All of Andalucia (Granada, Cordoba etc and even the tiniest village) will be totally fiesta and devotion hand in hand 24/7, everyone out in the streets and in restaurants and bars, the by far most important celebration of the year down here.

"... if you want to imbibe some deeply-held traditions that have less to do with religion than with social groupings and rituals. Many people avoid this time of year to visit Andalucia, but if you come prepared, both for the crowds and the inflated prices, then it is well worth the effort. You will never see anything like it again." http://www.andalucia.com/festival/easter/home.htm

Semana Santa processions are at night. Not much goes on during the day. The biggest celebrations are in Seville and Malaga. This week is considered holiday-time everywhere so all hotels have elevated prices for this week.

Thanks for your feedback. Our intent is to try and miss it due to the crowds, general business and higher prices.

Pat

<Semana Santa processions are at night>

... and almost all day. The night processions are first and foremost from Thursday night into Friday morning, the so called Madruga, the highlight of the celebrations. But most days the processions start in the morning or early afternoon. Here's a program of the about 40 processions in Malaga. http://agrupaciondecofradias.es/imag...iales_2015.pdf

<Our intent is to try and miss it>

On your list of cities, I would then go to Barcelona and San Sebastian. Here's some info about Semana Santa in Barcelona, it's celebrated but it don't take over the city: http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.c...barcelona.html
Barcelona processions are on Sunday and Friday: http://noticias.lainformacion.com/re...Yz9uahUj4Jwh5/

Thanks everyone. kimhe, your responses are always very thoughtful and helpful.

<Semana Santa processions are at night>

... and almost all day. And Kimhe don´t forget in Malaga the Desembarco de la Legión y el Traslado del Cristo de la Buena Muerte on the morning of the Jueves Santo (thursday)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0GxyJtjNuo