Easter weekend is here, and Valencia has a full lineup - from centuries-old maritime processions to midnight fireworks. The city is expecting 74.6% hotel occupancy this weekend, so expect busy streets and a lively atmosphere. Whether you've been here for years or just arrived, here's everything happening from Good Friday through Easter Sunday, all in one place.
Good Friday - April 3
Encuentro de los Cristos (07:45)
The day begins early in Valencia's maritime district. At 07:45, the Encuentro de los Cristos takes place - a solemn moment where a prayer is offered for those who have died at sea. Two revered images of Christ depart from different streets (Calle Padre Luis Navarro and Calle Pintor Ferrandis), meet at the intersection of Calle Reina and Amparo Guillem, then part ways. One is carried to the beach shore, where a laurel wreath is cast into the sea in memory of the deceased.
Afterwards, around 10:00, a Via Crucis procession begins from the parish of Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles.
What is Semana Santa Marinera? Valencia's Easter celebrations are unique in Spain because they're rooted in the maritime neighborhoods of Grao, Cabanyal, and Canyamelar. Dating back to the 15th century, these traditions were started by fishermen - giving Valencia's Holy Week a character distinct from the more famous Seville or Malaga processions.
Rompida de la Hora - l'Alcora (12:00)
About an hour north of Valencia in Castellon province, the town of l'Alcora hosts the Rompida de la Hora - a powerful Good Friday ceremony honoring the Passion of Christ. Over 1,000 participants take part, and this year it will be broadcast live on A Punt. If you can't make it in person, it's worth tuning in.
Procesion del Santo Entierro (18:30)
The biggest event of the day. The Procesion del Santo Entierro (Procession of the Holy Burial) is one of the most attended events of Valencia's entire Semana Santa. All the brotherhoods of the Semana Santa Marinera participate, processing through the streets of the maritime neighborhoods. The route starts at Plaza de la Virgen de Vallivana and ends at Plaza de la Iglesia del Rosario.
Heads up: Expect street closures throughout the Cabanyal-Canyamelar area from late afternoon through the evening. If you live in or need to travel through these neighborhoods, plan ahead.
Saturday - April 4
Resurrection Encounter in Torrent (10:00)
Just south of Valencia, the town of Torrent hosts its traditional Resurrection Encounter in the main square at 10:00. An emotional ceremony where the Resurrected Christ and the Virgin meet, symbolizing the joy of Easter. This year's Queen of the Encounter is Inmaculada Puchades, representing the historical figure of Germana de Foix. A Resurrection Mass follows at 11:00 at the Parish of the Assumption.
IVAM Family Tour
The Institut Valencia d'Art Modern (IVAM) is running a guided family tour of the exhibition "Territorios en transito / Solo duo: Anna Talens & Mar Guerrero" - specifically adapted for families with babies. Free, but registration is required.
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Easter Sunday - April 5
Midnight Fireworks (00:00 & 01:00)
Easter Sunday technically kicks off at midnight on Saturday with not one but two fireworks displays to celebrate the resurrection of Christ:
- 00:00 - Plaza del Reloj: A burst of white and violet fireworks by Pirotecnia Tamarit. 38 kg of gunpowder, lasting about 3.5 minutes.
- 01:00 - Calle de Marti Grajales (near Mercat del Cabanyal): A larger display - 44 kg of gunpowder, about 6.5 minutes. Expect thunderous booms, whistles, volcano effects, and colors in red, blue, white, and silver, ending with a dramatic "earthquake" finale.
If you love Valencia's pyrotechnic tradition (and after Fallas, you should), these midnight shows are worth staying up for. The Cabanyal display at 01:00 is the bigger of the two.
Desfile de Resurreccion (13:00)
The big finale of Semana Santa Marinera. The Resurrection Parade transforms Holy Week's solemnity into pure celebration. Biblical characters walk on foot, accompanied by cheerful music and applause. Flowers replace the sombre traditional elements and are thrown to attendees. The parade starts at the Mercado del Cabanyal and winds through the maritime streets to the Plaza de la Iglesia del Rosario.
This is where the spirit shifts from reflection to fiesta - the atmosphere is joyful, colorful, and very Valencian.
Trenca de Perols
A uniquely Valencian Easter tradition. The Trenca de Perols (Breaking of the Pots) is a celebration filled with fireworks and community spirit. A festive, noisy way to mark the end of Semana Santa.
Supermarket Hours
Most supermarkets have reduced hours or are closed on Good Friday. Here's what's open on Friday, April 3:
| Store | Hours (Good Friday) |
|---|---|
| Mercadona | 09:00 - 15:00 (tourist areas only) |
| Carrefour | 10:00 - 22:00 |
| Lidl | 09:00 - 21:30 |
| Consum | 09:00 - 14:30 |
| Aldi | 11:00 - 21:00 |
Pro tip: Saturday hours are generally normal, but double-check your nearest store. Easter Sunday most supermarkets are closed.
Transport Changes
Tram Lines 6 and 8 will be interrupted on Good Friday (April 3) starting at 19:00 through the end of service. The affected sections connect the stops Maritim and Neptu, as well as Maritim and Canyamelar - the key stops for the procession areas.
This is to accommodate the Semana Santa Marinera processions that extend into the early hours. Plan alternative routes if you're heading to or from the beach neighborhoods on Friday evening.
If you're going to the procession: Walk or take the metro to nearby stops. The maritime neighborhoods are compact enough to get around on foot once you're there.
Family Activities
Pasqua DiverActiva
Free family activities focused on sustainability during Easter, organized by the city. Includes an escape room and storytelling sessions designed to educate and entertain kids.
Pasqua als Parcs 2026
The Generalitat is running 95 free activities across Valencia's natural parks this Easter. Guided tours, wildlife observation, and nature walks - a great option if you want to escape the city for a few hours. Registration required for most activities.
Centro de Arte Hortensia Herrero
- Mision en el museo - An explorer-style adventure for kids 5+, with clues and puzzles spread across the museum. EUR 7.
- Manos al arte (Easter Sunday) - Sensory experience for babies 6-36 months. Textures, colors, and shapes in a calm environment. EUR 7.
Fire Safety Alert
Authorities are urging extra caution about forest fires this Easter weekend. Restrictions on open fires are in place across the Comunitat Valenciana. If you're heading to the countryside or natural parks, report any smoke or fire immediately by calling 112.
Beach Services
Good news if you're heading to the coast this weekend - Valencia's beach umbrella and sunbed rental services opened on Holy Thursday, just in time for the Easter rush. Unlike last year, when beach services were delayed, everything is fully operational this year. Expect the beaches to be busy, especially on Saturday and Sunday if the weather holds.
Beyond Valencia
Picassent Prison Procession
One of Spain's most unique Easter traditions takes place inside Picassent Prison, just south of Valencia. The Real Cofradia de Jesus en la Columna holds an annual Via Crucis inside the prison, allowing inmates to participate in a traditional Easter procession with fourteen stations, concluding with a mass and foot washing. It's the only procession in Spain held inside a prison during Holy Week, running annually since 1999 (except during the pandemic). The ceremony lasts about three and a half hours.
Pasqua als Parcs
If you want to get out of the city, the Generalitat's Pasqua als Parcs program runs through Easter Monday with 95 free activities across the Comunitat Valenciana's natural parks - from wildlife observation in Torrevieja's salt lagoons to guided hikes in the mountains. Registration required for most activities.
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