Is a vacation during Holy Week at good idea? I have heard the city closes down--but what about the Fiesta Semana Santa?

Fran,<BR>I've been to both Barcelona (low key observance) and Seville (very grand observance) during Semana Santa and Easter.The only day when most restaurants, stores, etc were closed was Good Friday. I loved the processions in Seville.Beautiful and moving.. It is very crowded and if you are thinking about it, book early.

Had a friend that was in Portugal/Spain during holy week a few years ago. He did not go because it was holy week - just when he got a good deal on the tour. He found much of the ceremonies quite bizarre. Read up on what goes on to make sure it is what you want.

We were in Spain during Holy Week last year--in Seville on Easter. I had booked our hotel reservations far in advance (I think in November) and was glad I did. What I regretted, however, and must warn you about is that the trains were so booked that we had to change one of our hotel reservation between Seville and Madrid because we couldn't get a train to Madrid. If you plan on traveling by train, I highly recommend you make your reservations in advance. <BR><BR>

Seville, or just about anywhere in Andalusia, during Holy Week, is magic, as long as you're prepared for a heady, but fascinating, religious experience.<BR><BR>But you'll need to book well head, transport as well as hotels, and prices will be higher than normal. If you can't make Seville, try Cordoba.

GO!!! Anybody reading this- GO GO GO to Seville during Holy Week. We landed Easter Sat and left Easter Monday and it was the most fantastic experience ever! (And we're not religious.) We found nice hotel rooms with only a couple months notice.