Easter celebrations take place all over Spain and I’m sure you’ve heard a lot about them. However, today we’re going to share some lesser-known traditions which are ours, from the Valencia Region.
We can’t enjoy them this year but that shouldn’t stop us learning about them!
Declared a Fiesta of International Tourist Interest in 1997, the Palm Sunday procession held in Elche is one of the most spectacular Holy Week traditions in the Region. This event is marked by the great number of people who take part but, above all, by the singular white palm fronds from the palm groves in the area. The faithful carry these palm fronds in their hands or hang them from their windows, giving the celebrations a unique character. Those wishing to join in the festivities should make sure not to miss the famous Mercado de la Palma Blanca [Market of the White Palm], held a few days before Holy Week, where they can get their own white palm.
A few days before Holy Week, bakeries, patisseries and supermarkets begin selling monas de Pascua: a sweet pastry difficult to resist. Eating a mona at Easter is one of the most delicious Valencian traditions, although there are other regions, such as Murcia and Catalonia, which also have this custom. According to tradition, a godfather should gift a mona to his godchild to be eaten on Easter Monday when all the family get together.
This is one tradition you will still be able to enjoy. So go straight to your nearest bakery or supermarket to get one. They’re absolutely delicious!
During Valencia’s Maritime Holy Week, one of the oddest customs is the “trenca perols”. As the name suggests, it involves throwing clay pots, old crockery and water out of windows and from balconies. This takes place at midnight on Easter Saturday, at the moment when the Gloria procession begins. It’s a festive gesture, symbolic of the celebration of Jesus’s return to life on Resurrection Sunday.
We hope we’ve helped you learn a little more about the culture and traditions of Spain.
Happy Easter!
