Easter
Easter in Barcelona
Easter in Barcelona is a great time to visit the city, especially for families with children, as there are many traditions that the little ones will love too, and plenty of activities. The weather at Easter is usually good as well, so you can enjoy the sunshine without it being too hot yet. With the weather on your side, Easter is when many people take their first dip of the year at the city’s beaches.
Which traditions are celebrated in Barcelona at Easter?
Processions are very well known in Spain, especially in Andalusia. Although the tradition is not as strong in Barcelona, there are a couple of processions that give you a taste of this typical Holy Week custom. The best known are El Paso de La Borriquita, held on Palm Sunday in Ciutat Vella, and the Procession of the Virgin of La Macarena, held on Good Friday, which starts in El Raval and ends at the Cathedral. You don’t need to be a believer to admire the beauty of this tradition.
The palm
One of the main traditions in Barcelona, however, is having “la palma” blessed on Palm Sunday. Everyone takes palms, woven palm fronds and sprigs of laurel to church to commemorate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Godmothers give these palms to their godchildren, filled with toys, chocolate and sweets. The moment when everyone raises and waves them is truly beautiful and special.
In the days leading up to Palm Sunday, a small fair is set up on Rambla Catalunya with craftspeople who create real wonders out of palm leaves. It is very close to the hotel, so we encourage you to stroll among the stalls.
La mona de Pasqua
The last great Easter tradition is celebrated on Easter Monday, and this time it is the godfathers who give “la mona” to their godchildren. The mona is a cake decorated with chocolate eggs or other shapes – always made of chocolate – a treat that families share around the table. In the days before, it is great fun to visit Barcelona’s patisseries and admire the monas they have created: pure art made of chocolate.
Besides chocolate, one of the traditional sweets of this season is the Lenten fritter, known as “buñuelos de viento” because they are so light and fluffy inside. They are delicious! Here is a recipe so you can make them yourselves!
What to do in Barcelona over Easter?
If you are coming to Barcelona at Easter and want to do some shopping, bear in mind that shops will be closed on the public holidays, Good Friday and Easter Monday.
Tourist attractions will be open, and there are lots of things to see with children if you are spending Easter in Barcelona as a family. You will find some suggestions on our website.