Santa Semana, otherwise known as Holy week, is the name of the Easter week here in Spain. It’s a massively popular event for both religious and cultural reasons, normally celebrated with walking processions depicting Jesus Christ carrying the cross on his shoulder.
The fiesta starts on Palm Sunday (which falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon that happens after March 21) with a whole host of masses located all across Javea, most notably in the Port and Old Town. This is accompanied with processions in which family members will carry white palm branches, representing triumph, peace and eternal life. The following Sunday or Easter Sunday is a National holiday in Spain, again involving masses taking place in churches all across Jávea.
Also read: 16 things to do in Javea
Video Santa Semana
A large part of the local tradition includes the peñas (a peña is a group of people or friends who share a common interest in the San Fermin fiestas, set up in order to take part in the organisation and enjoyment of the events held during fiestas) and associations all meeting at the church square in the middle of the day, to share food and drink and enjoy the festivities with one and other.
The Jávea Old Town is also host to an Easter Market and Crafts Fair, offering a vast array of handmade goods, confectioneries and workshops for all the family. If you’re in Jávea during this week, I would definitely recommend joining in in the festivities and enjoying what the rich culture of Jávea has to offer!