Easter, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, is an important Christian holiday and is grandly observed in Spain during Semana Santa (Holy Week). Although Barcelona, as part of Catalonia, is traditionally less religious than other regions of Spain, Easter is still celebrated with passionate processions and treats like Mona de Pasqua.
If you’re spending your Easter holiday in Barcelona and want to know what to do, keep reading! In this post, I’ll explain how Easter is celebrated in Barcelona.
Last updated: 06/03/2024
When is Easter in Barcelona?
Easter is one of the most significant Christian holidays, marking the end of Lent (Cuaresma) and Holy Week (Semana Santa). The date of Easter varies each year, determined by the spring equinox, but it always falls on a Sunday and continues through Monday. It’s a time for chocolate, Easter eggs, religious processions, and plenty of festive activities!
How is Easter Celebrated in Barcelona?
Unlike in other countries, Spain doesn’t have traditions like Easter egg hunts, painting eggs, or Easter brunches. However, there are plenty of other Easter customs, such as visiting churches, attending Easter processions, and indulging in delicious chocolate Easter eggs.
For Spaniards, Easter (or Pascua in Spanish) is part of Semana Santa (Holy Week) and commemorates the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This is why there are many street processions and religious celebrations throughout the week.
On Easter Sunday, people celebrate Jesus’ resurrection, three days after his crucifixion, by attending church services and participating in the Easter Sunday Procession.
On Easter Monday in Barcelona, people celebrate Día de la Mona. Families come together to enjoy a delicious chocolate Easter cake, often decorated with a chocolate egg.
What to Do in Barcelona During Easter?
If you’re visiting Barcelona for Easter, the city has plenty of activities to offer! With the following tips, you’re guaranteed a great Easter holiday.
1. Experience a Cultural Easter in Barcelona
Looking to immerse yourself in Easter traditions? Here are some must-see events:
- Palm Market (Fira de Rams): In the days leading up to Semana Santa, visit this special market at Rambla de Catalunya and Plaça Sagrada Família, where you can find beautifully crafted palm leaves and Easter decorations.
- Palm Sunday Blessing (Diumenge de Rams): On Palm Sunday, churches across Barcelona hold the blessing of palm leaves, a cherished tradition symbolizing Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem.
- Good Friday Procession: The city’s most prominent religious procession takes place on Good Friday at 7:00 PM, starting from Església de Sant Jaume in the Gothic Quarter. The route winds through Plaça Sant Jaume, Avinguda de la Catedral, Plaça del Pi, and Las Ramblas, concluding around 11:30 PM.
- Caramelles Singing Groups: Not into religious celebrations? Enjoy the Caramelles, a lively concert where local singing groups perform traditional Catalan songs and dances, bringing a festive spirit to the Easter season.
2. Eating Chocolate
During Easter, chocolate takes center stage. You’ll find plenty of pastelerías selling Easter eggs and other chocolate figurines.
As tradition dictates, godfathers buy these chocolate eggs and figurines from pastry shops to decorate the Mona de Pasqua (Easter cake) for their godchildren. The Mona is enjoyed on Dilluns de Pasqua (Easter Monday).
Other Easter treats you’ll find in Barcelona include Tortell de Rams, a traditional Catalan cake, as well as Buñuelos de Cuaresma and Torrijas, which are popular across Spain.
3. Visiting Museums
Many museums in Barcelona remain open during the Easter holidays. Some even offer special workshops, such as the Chocolate Museum of Barcelona, where children can participate in an Easter egg-making workshop (advance booking required).
👉 Check out a full list of museums in Barcelona here.
4. Visiting an Amusement Park
A fun activity for both kids and parents is visiting the Tibidabo Amusement Park, located in the Collserola hills. During Easter, the park has extended opening hours, allowing you more time to enjoy the attractions.
👉 Plan your visit to Tibidabo and buy tickets online here.
5. Going for a Walk
If the weather is nice, take a stroll through Barcelona’s charming streets. Some of the most beautiful avenues include Passeig de Gràcia and Rambla de Catalunya. You can also wander through the neighborhoods of El Born or Gràcia, visit Park Güell, or enjoy a picnic in Parc de la Ciutadella.
A visit to the beach and promenade is also a must on a sunny Easter day.
For breathtaking panoramic views of the city, hike up Turó de la Rovira to reach the Bunkers del Carmel, where you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view over Barcelona.
6. Enjoying the Spring Flowers
Easter coincides with the beginning of spring, making it a perfect time to admire blooming flowers. Visit one of Barcelona’s many gardens and city parks to enjoy nature in full bloom.
Nature lovers should check out Barcelona’s Botanical Garden and the ‘De Flor en Flor’ flower festival at Poble Espanyol.
7. Shopping
Keep in mind that most shops in Barcelona are closed during the Easter holidays. However, you can still go shopping at Maremagnum, a shopping mall located near the Columbus Monument and the Port of Barcelona.
👉 Read more about shopping in Barcelona here.
8. Going to the Circus
A fantastic family-friendly activity during Easter is visiting the circus. Around this time, Cirque du Soleil often performs in Barcelona, offering a breathtaking experience with spectacular acrobatics, mesmerizing dance, and captivating acts that transport you to a magical world.
9. Going to the Cinema
If the weather isn’t great, or you’re looking for an evening activity, head to the cinema. Keep in mind that most Spanish cinemas dub movies into Spanish or Catalan.
For movies in their original English version, the best cinema to visit is Cines Verdi in Gràcia.
These were my Easter tips for Barcelona! Have you ever spent Easter in Barcelona, or do you have any additional recommendations? Feel free to leave a comment below. ¡Felices Pascuas!
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