Holy Week in Madrid: processions and 2027 dates

Updated on October 9, 2026

During Holy Week, Madrid's religious images leave the churches where they are kept for the rest of the year. Confraternities accompany the pasos, sculptural groups carried or moved in procession, with brass bands and moments of silence. Several processions take place in the historic centre, while neighbourhoods hold their own events. The municipal festival calendar runs from 19 to 28 March 2027; Palm Sunday falls on 21 March and Easter Sunday on 28 March. As of 4 October 2026, detailed routes and times for 2027 have not yet been published.

Highlights

Pasos in old Madrid

The Soledad y Desamparo procession is one of the traditional events. This photograph shows an earlier edition: check the municipal programme for the year of your visit rather than assuming that previous routes still apply.

The major confraternities

Jesús de Medinaceli, Jesús el Pobre and the Divino Cautivo are among the images associated with Madrid's Holy Week. Processions take place on different days, and rain may lead to changes or cancellation.

Torrijas

This seasonal sweet is made with soaked bread, usually using milk, then prepared with eggs and sugar. Look for it in pastry shops and ask about ingredients if you have an allergy; recipes vary between bakers.

Practical info

Tips

Watching processions from the street is free, as checked in October 2026; refreshments and some accompanying activities cost extra. Check the city council's Semana Santa de Madrid programme and the confraternity's updates on the day. Stand beside the route without crossing barriers or walking between the bearers. With children, choose a spot with a side exit rather than the crowded departure forecourt.

How to get there

Events take place across several neighbourhoods, with no single ticket office or address. For the centre: Puerta del Sol, 28013 Madrid, Metro Sol (lines: 1, 2, 3); La Latina area, 28005 Madrid, Metro La Latina (line: 5). Station entrances and streets may be controlled during processions.

Opening hours

Best: Maundy Thursday and Good Friday

Annual event with changing dates: 19 to 28 March in 2027 (check the detailed programme before visiting). The 2026 edition ran from 27 March to 5 April. No permanent daily opening hours