Easter is coming, one of the most famous religious and traditional festivals in Spain. During these days, many people take the opportunity to go on vacation and visit other parts of the peninsula. The capital of Galicia is a destination rich in culture and heritage, perfect for these dates. Therefore, we bring you a list of plans to enjoy Easter in Santiago de Compostela.

A stroll through the museums

Compostela hosts a large number of different and free art exhibitions. One of them is the so-called ‘Royal treasures. Masterpieces of the Holy Land Museumlocated in the Gaiás Center Museum at the
City of Culture
. Here, you can see the little-known legacy of the Museum of the Holy Land in Jerusalem, composed of donations from European royal houses to the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre.

This exhibition displays jewelry, metals, precious stones, ornaments, sacred garments… Unique and priceless pieces that you will not be able to see anywhere else. Opening hours are from 10 am to 8 pm, Tuesday to Sunday.

 

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Another exhibition not to be missed is ‘Peregrinas ilustradas’ (Illustrated Pilgrims). It consists of a selection of 60 illustrations made along 6 Ways of St. James. They are accompanied by videos and photographs taken during the trip.

You can visit it at the Pilgrimages and Santiago Museum from Tuesday to Friday, from 9:30 am to 8:30 pm; on Saturdays, from 11 am to 7:30 pm; and on Sundays and holidays, from 10:15 am to 2:45 pm.

 

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Enjoy the seventh art

In the Galician Holy Week it is usual the presence of rain. So, if you want indoor plans, we recommend you to go to one of the sessions at the Multicines Compostela. You can enjoy independent films, such as ‘The Successor‘, or commercial pieces, such as ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire‘.

You can also go to the Numax Room, which on March 27 will host a presentation and discussion of the Goya Award nominated film, ‘O corno‘, with its director, Jaione Camborda.

A historical tour

Rain or shine, one activity you must do during your visit to Compostela is to walk around its historic center. This area is full of essential cultural heritage, such as the Cathedral of Santiago, the Plaza do Obradoiro, the Pazo de Raxoi, the Church of San Francisco, the Monastery of San Martiño Pinario…

Take part in a guided tour to learn more information about the history of these streets, such as the ‘
Free Tour Compostela – Old Town
‘ or the ‘
Secrets of Compostela Tour
‘. In addition, you can get on the back of the tourist train and let yourself be taken to key places in the capital.

Experience Easter in your own flesh

Like the rest of Spain, Santiago de Compostela is loaded with religious celebrations throughout Holy Week. During these days, processions and acts of worship will take place in the different churches and parishes of the area.

Among them are the ‘Procession of the Flagellation’ on Maundy Thursday, which will leave at 11:30 pm from the Church of St. Augustine, or the ‘Procession of Solitude’ on Good Friday, which will begin at 11 pm in the Church of St. Mary Salome.

Below is the complete list:

March 25 – Easter Monday:

• 21:30 hours: Procession of the Humility, Church of Santa María do Camiño.

March 26th – Holy Tuesday:

• 21 hours: Procession of the Holy Christ of Patience. Church of the Mercedarias.
• 10:00 p.m.: Procession of the Prayer in the Garden of Olives and Prendimiento, Church of San Francisco.

March 28 – Maundy Thursday:

• 19:30 pm: Procession of the Last Supper of the Savior, Church of San Francisco.
• 11:30 p.m.: Procession of the Flagellant, Church of San Agustín.

March 29 – Good Friday:

• 11 a.m.: Sermon and Procession of the Holy Meeting, Plaza de la Quintana.
• 18 hours: Procession of the Fifth Anguish, Chapel of the Anguish.
• 20 hours: Procession of the Holy Burial, Church and Convent of San Domingos de Bonaval.
• 11:00 p.m.: Procession of the Soledad, Church of Santa María Salomé.

March 30 – Holy Saturday:

• 8:00 p.m.: Procession of the Brothers, Colegio de los Hermanos.

March 31 – Easter Sunday:

• 10:30 a.m.: Procession of the Risen Christ, San Francisco Church.