Next Sunday, 2 April, the city of Seville will be transformed. For seven days, until Sunday 9 April, its streets will cease to be just a stage and become the soul of one of the oldest, most emotional and spectacular celebrations in the world: Holy Week in Seville 2023.
From THE SUN PLACES, we want to tell you everything you need to know to experience this unique event, whether out of devotion, culture or simply the desire to witness a phenomenon that attracts thousands of visitors every year.
✝️ What is Holy Week and why is it so important?
Holy Week is the Christian commemoration of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. But in Seville, this celebration goes far beyond the religious.
Its importance lies in several factors:
- Centuries‑old tradition: The first Sevillian brotherhoods date back to the 13th century. Some of those we will see this year, such as the Brotherhood of the Macarena or the Silence, have more than 400 years of history.
- Art in the street: The floats that parade are authentic works of Baroque art. Sculptors such as Juan de Mesa or Martínez Montañés created images that today are part of humanity's heritage.
- Popular feeling: For the people of Seville, Holy Week is not just a festival; it is a way of expressing faith, promises and devotion. Many costaleros, nazarenos or musicians take part year after year as part of a family tradition.
- Unique spectacle: The combination of silence, drums, bugles, incense and the physical effort of the costaleros creates moments of indescribable beauty.
Which days are the most important of Holy Week in Seville 2023?
📅 Days you cannot miss of Holy Week in Seville 2023 (day by day)
Although the whole week is special, some days are considered unique:
🌿 Palm Sunday (2 April)
- La Borriquita: The brotherhood of the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem is the first to go out. The children dressed as Hebrews, the palms and the festive atmosphere mark the starting signal.
- Don't miss: The departure from Plaza del Salvador, just as the sun begins to warm up.
🌙 Dawn of Good Friday (from Thursday to Friday, 6‑7 April)
- It is the most magical and anticipated night. Five historic brotherhoods cross the centre of Seville from Thursday night until dawn on Good Friday:
- El Silencio: Procession in absolute recollection. The wax lanterns, the nazarenos without music and the canopy float of the Virgen de la Concepción.
- El Gran Poder: The famous Lord of Seville, an imposing Christ who receives thousands of devotees every year.
- La Macarena: The most beloved Virgin, with her tears and her mantle. Her departure is one of the most crowded moments.
- El Calvario: More sober, but with great expressive force.
- La Esperanza de Triana: The other great Virgin of Seville, who crosses the Triana bridge and provokes one of the most emotional moments.
⚫ Good Friday (7 April)
- Day of mourning and recollection. Brotherhoods such as La Carretería, La Soledad de San Lorenzo or El Santo Entierro parade with floats representing the death of Christ.
🔴 Holy Saturday (8 April) – THE GREAT NOVELTY OF 2023
- This year, Holy Saturday will be historic. The "Santo Entierro Grande" (Great Holy Burial) will take place, a unique procession not seen in Seville since 2004.
Fifteen floats from different brotherhoods will take part, including:
- El Cachorro (from Triana)
Why is it important? Because it brings together images that normally parade on different days. It is a recreation of Christ's burial as never seen in the 21st century.
🎉 Easter Sunday (9 April)
- The last day. Sadness gives way to joy. The brotherhood of the Resurrection goes out in white and gold robes. It is the crowning glory, the triumph of life over death.
🏛️ The Brotherhoods of Holy Week in Seville 2023: the heart of Holy Week
A brotherhood is an association of the faithful that organises the procession. Each has its own history, headquarters, robes and floats. In Seville, more than 70 brotherhoods will do penance in 2023.
Some of the most important of Holy Week in Seville 2023 (by number of nazarenos or devotion):
La Macarena
- Her mantle is a work of art
Esperanza de Triana
- She crosses the Triana bridge
La Estrella
- Virgin with very youthful features
San Gonzalo
- is one of the most venerated.
El Gran Poder
In addition to these, there are smaller brotherhoods but with great artistic richness, such as El Silencio, La Amargura or El Valle.
🎭What does it mean to see a float in Holy Week in Seville 2023?
It is the art of the costaleros
One of the most fascinating moments of Holy Week in Seville 2023 is seeing how a float (which can weigh more than 1,500 kilos) moves to the rhythm of the costaleros' feet. They are inside the float, unable to see the outside, guided only by the orders of the foreman.
- Levantá: Moment when the float is raised onto the shoulders.
- Andar: Short, slow and perfectly synchronised movement.
- Revirá: The turn at a corner. It is one of the most applauded moments, because it requires millimetre precision to prevent the images from hitting each other.
To the music of bands of bugles, drums or musical chapels, the float seems to come to life. It is, without a doubt, a spectacle that must be seen at least once in a lifetime.
📍Where else is Holy Week celebrated besides Seville?
Although Seville is the undisputed capital of Holy Week, other cities also experience these dates with great intensity:
- Málaga: Famous for its giant thrones and the Roman "legions".
- Córdoba: With its silence and its Baroque floats.
- Granada: Processions that run through the Albaicín with the Alhambra in the background.
- Cádiz: Especially in San Fernando, with a very seafaring atmosphere.
- Castilla y León: In cities such as Valladolid or Zamora, the tone is much more sober and dramatic.
🏡Where to stay to experience Holy Week in Seville 2023?
THE SUN PLACES: Your Luxury Retreat in the Heart of the City
At THE SUN PLACES, we know that Holy Week in Seville 2023 is a unique experience that deserves accommodation of the highest standard. That is why we offer you our Luxury Apartments in Seville, the perfect retreat to rest, recharge and continue enjoying the great festival with the utmost comfort and elegance.
🌟 Why stay with THE SUN PLACES during Holy Week?
- Strategic Location: Our apartments are located in Seville's historic centre, in iconic neighbourhoods such as Santa Cruz, El Arenal or Triana, just a few steps from the official route and the key points where the brotherhoods pass.
- Absolute Comfort: After hours of emotion, incense and devotion, enjoy spacious areas, equipped kitchens, high‑quality beds and private terraces where you can relax and share your experiences.
- Close to the Processions: Forget long journeys. From our apartments you can easily access the best areas to see the floats, such as Seville Cathedral, La Campana or Plaza de San Francisco.
- The Perfect Retreat: Holy Week is intense. That is why you need a quiet and elegant place to retreat after the Dawn or before going out to see the Santo Entierro Grande. We offer it to you.
- Personalised Attention: We want your experience to be unforgettable. That is why we help you with recommendations, departure times of brotherhoods, itineraries and everything you need so you don't miss any key moment.
“Holy Week in Seville 2023 is the perfect excuse to immerse yourself in tradition, art and devotion. At THE SUN PLACES, we open the doors of our city for you to experience this unique festival with the luxury and comfort you deserve.”
📞 Contact THE SUN PLACES
Book your Luxury Apartment in Seville now to experience Holy Week in Seville 2023 like never before. We also have luxury accommodation in Cádiz and Sanlúcar de Barrameda if you want to extend your experience across the province.
Devotion, emotion and the city await you. We look forward to seeing you at THE SUN PLACES!