Easter Week in Cuenca

Easter week is one of the most spectacular and emotional fiestas here.

Cuenca’s unique urban layout, with its hills and narrow streets, make it a very special setting to celebrate Easter week. These traditions date back to the 17th century, when the first Easter brotherhoods were founded. More than 30,000 people take part in the nine processions. The Camino del Calvario procession, which takes place in the early hours of Good Friday, is especially noteworthy. It is accompanied by the famous “turbas”: these are drums and trumpets that precede the statue of Jesus.Religious devotion, art, colour and music combine in acts to commemorate the death of Jesus Christ: the processions. Members of the different Easter brotherhoods, dressed in their characteristic robes, parade through the streets carrying religious statues (pasos) to the sound of drums and music – scenes of sober beauty. Cuenca Religious Music Week coincides with the Easter week celebrations. Every year it features important international orchestras and soloists.