Holy Week means very different things depending on where you are. In Seville it's candlelight, incense and silent processions at midnight. In Antigua, Guatemala, it's streets carpeted in flowers. In the Dominican Republic, it's the week the whole country goes to the beach.
The 2027 dates#
| Day | Date |
|---|---|
| Palm Sunday | Sun, March 21 |
| Holy Thursday | Thu, March 25 |
| Good Friday | Fri, March 26 |
| Holy Saturday | Sat, March 27 |
| Easter Sunday | Sun, March 28 |
Holy Thursday and Good Friday are public holidays across Spain and most of Latin America.
Where to experience it#
Seville, Spain — the most famous. Brotherhoods carry huge floats of Christ and the Virgin through the streets, accompanied by bands and robed penitents. The Madrugá, the night from Thursday to Friday, is the high point.
Málaga, Spain — more exuberant processions, with enormous floats and huge crowds.
Antigua, Guatemala — known for its alfombras, carpets of coloured sawdust, flowers and fruit laid in the streets for the processions to walk over. Families spend the night making them.
Mexico — processions and Passion plays across the country; Taxco and Iztapalapa in Mexico City are among the best known.
The Dominican Republic — the busiest holiday week of the year. Dominicans head to the beach, the rivers and their home towns; resorts and beaches fill up. In Cabral, near Barahona, the Cachúas carnival takes place at Easter. Planning a beach trip: Punta Cana weather by month.
Tips#
- Book early. It's peak season in Spain, Guatemala and the Caribbean.
- Expect closures on Thursday and Friday: banks, offices and many shops.
- At processions, be respectful: no flash, no blocking the route, quiet during silent processions.
- In the Caribbean, roads are busy before and after the long weekend.
The rest of the season#
Holy Week closes the carnival season: Dominican Carnival 2027. The festivals of the region: the best festivals in Latin America. All the big dates: the world events calendar.
Spend Holy Week with someone from there.
Meet Local FriendsFrequently Asked Questions
When is Semana Santa 2027?
From Palm Sunday, March 21 to Easter Sunday, March 28, 2027. Holy Thursday is March 25 and Good Friday March 26.Where are the best Semana Santa processions?
Seville and Málaga in Spain, and Antigua, Guatemala, are the most famous. Many towns in Mexico, Peru and the rest of Spain have their own processions too.What is Semana Santa like in the Dominican Republic?
It's the busiest holiday week of the year for Dominicans: many head to the beach, rivers and the countryside, and resorts and beaches fill up. Holy Thursday and Good Friday are quieter; many businesses close and alcohol sales can be restricted on Good Friday. Book transport and hotels early.Is everything closed during Semana Santa?
Holy Thursday and Good Friday are public holidays in most Spanish-speaking countries, and many shops, offices and banks close. Restaurants and tourist services in holiday areas usually stay open but are busy.