We're just starting to plan a trip to Seville and Granada in the spring of 2006. We've been told to avoid Holy Week and also the week of Ferias. We also want to avoid the heat!! Do you know the dates for Easter Week and Ferias in 2006? Is March a good time for travel to Spain if we plan to go north as well. Thank you!

13-17 April is Easter time. Thank you google.

On the other hand, it would be very interesting to observe the Holy Week traditions in Spain.

I was in Seville and Jerez for Holy Week this year - it was a wonderful experience. Easter was at the end of March - and it wasn't hot. The almond trees were in bloom - the orange trees were heavy with fruit.

yesornot - get a grip on yourself or read a few books ! Christmas (Navidad) is NOT the same thing as Holy Week (Semana Santa). Mr. Budman is quite correct. In 2006, Semana Santa runs from Monday, April 13, till, and including, Monday, April 17. The Feria de Abril is usually two weeks later, but that would push it very late. Sometimes it is only one week later. Bargem will have to Google the Feria to get 2006's dates for that.

Nicely made point, Budman.

<<In 2006, Semana Santa runs from Monday, April 13, till, and including, Monday, April 17.>>

Interesting. Which days did they remove to make those two consecutive Mondays four days apart?



Best wishes,

Rex

Easy people, I can tell that yesornot probably meant to say that, both, Christmas AND Holy Week are holidays celebrated a bit different in Barcelona and Seville (It appears yesornot was translating from Spanish, where it will be correct to say "Navidad o Semana Santa en Barcelona......&quot.

bargem-- I can understand avoiding the heat, but anybody that have the opportunity to plan ahead of time should definitely consider experiencing the Holy Week celebrations in Andalucia.

Others-- You are all wrong. Holy Week starts with Palm Sunday on April 9, 2006 and ends on Saturday, April 15, 2006. Easter Sunday is April 16, 2006. Holy Week is considered the last week of Lent and hence, Easter Sunday is the beggining of another week/liturgical year.

Thanks Viajero2 - you are right - Holy Week is April 9-16 in 2006 (also thanks to Google). Everyone tells me that during Holy Week and Feria it is much more crowded and also much more expensive which is the reason we are trying to go a little earlier (or later). I was in Valencia and Madrid last year in late May and it was quite hot - so I imagine it will be even hotter in Sevilla in May. It seems like mid-late March would be the best time to travel to avoid the festivals and also the heat,

Is their some compelling reason for you to want to AVOID Semana Santa and the ferias? Each can be a memorable experience: Semana Santa Processions are awesome! People travel to Spain to witness them and take part in them in Sevilla, Jerez, Malaga and all over Andalucia.

The Spring Ferias are very colorful and if you haven't seen one, you should try to: Sevilla's Feria de abril, el Puerto de Santa Maria's Feria de Primavera, the Feria del Campo, etc., etc. ...

How far north do you plan to go?? March weather can be quite difficult in the mountains of Asturias / Cantabria. Some of the mountain passes are closed (except for 4X4's) until April; and you're liable to encounter rain in Galicia.

My husband and I followed the "Santiago Route" in 2005 during Easter Week in March. It is in the North and it was great! The temperature was perfect, except for La Coruna which was pretty hot! Bilbao is a great city. Santiago de Compostela was lively but not too crowded. I have been in Seville during Easter. It is a wonderful experience, don't miss it. You'll have a great time.