Easter Week in Salamanca

Easter Week in Salamanca

The Maundy Thursday services in the University and the taking down of Christ from the cross are two of the most noteworthy events in these celebrations.

Easter week in Salamanca stands out for the stunning spectacle of its beautiful processions with the backdrop of the streets of the historic city centre. Emblematic spots like University square, the Casa de las Conchas (House of the Shells), and the Arrabal and Clerecía churches take on a vital role at this time. Of the numerous events held in the city, the services held in the chapel of the old university stand out. They are a mixture of the liturgical and the academic, with all the university professors in attendance. They are held on Maundy Thursday and are an extraordinary assembly, where the professors dress in all their academic finery. At the end, those in attendance receive the traditional chocolate and sweets.Easter week is one of the most spectacular and emotional fiestas here. 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.