A scene from the Stations of the Cross. Credit: Santiago Carneri
Springtime in Spain kicks off with a bang thanks to Easter and Holy Week – the first big national holiday of the year. And on the Costa Blanca, this festive season is a proper mix of tradition, sunshine, and non-stop activity.
While most towns in the Valencian Community take Good Friday (18 April) and Easter Monday (21 April) off, don’t expect total shutdown. With hotels and holiday homes nearly full, many businesses, including big supermarkets like Mercadona, Carrefour, Lidl and Aldi, stay open – even on Sundays, which is pretty rare outside tourist season.
Every town has its own way of celebrating, so it’s best to check local council websites for exact timings. But here’s a taste of what’s happening across the region.
Ondara kicks things off early, with events running all the way to 21 April. Its Holy Week is one of the most iconic in the Marina Alta region. What makes it special is the immersive, theatrical style of the processions – all in Valencian, with the crowd walking alongside the actors, becoming part of the story. This year brings new scenes, more characters, and fresh settings.
There are four major processions – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Good Friday – with the highlight being the Santo Entierro (Holy Burial) on 18 April at 10pm. Easter Sunday sees the traditional “Encuentro” in the main square. Expect road closures and parking bans in central streets during these events.
Benissa is blending tradition with culture and fun under the banner Viu la Pasqua a Benissa 2025. On Good Friday, there’s a guided tour along the town’s eco-path, and people are encouraged to bring their Mona de Pascua (a typical Easter cake) to share. On Saturday 19th at 12:30, the lively Barreta de Pasqua features music from bands and DJs in the street. For beach lovers, the free Benibús will run from town to the coast daily from 10am to midnight, from 18 to 21 April.
Xàbia goes deeply traditional, with religious services in both the San Bartolomé church in the old town and Our Lady of Loreto by the port. Daily events run up to 20 April, welcoming locals and visitors alike.
In Teulada, it’s a mix of outdoor fun and culture: hiking routes on the 18th and 19th, kids’ activities like bouncy castles and paintball, and historic sites worth visiting – from the Castle of Moraira to the Santa Catalina fortress-church. The town’s museums are also open for those wanting to explore local history.
Calpe puts on a grand Good Friday procession where all brotherhoods unite for an emotional night in the old town’s Plaza de la Villa.
Similarly, Dénia goes all out with daily processions until 20 April, so best park outside the centre. Alongside the religious vibe, the city’s known for its food scene – with Easter bringing a wave of events around wine and seafood. As a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, Dénia is the place to try red prawns, seafood rice dishes, and traditional sweets.
The town’s beaches – Les Marines, Les Rotes, and Punta del Raset – are already tempting for barefoot strolls, and nature lovers can head up Montgó Natural Park for stunning coastal views. The medieval Dénia Castle, overlooking the port and old town, is also a must-see – and springtime is perfect for a visit.
In Villajoyosa, the Easter story is told through dramatic and heartfelt processions. Things begin with “la burreta” on Palm Sunday (14 April), featuring children dressed as Hebrews and locals carrying palm branches. Each day of Holy Week sees a different brotherhood take to the streets, from the ancient “bajada del Nazareno” on Tuesday to the haunting Procesión del Silencio on Wednesday, with streets lit only by candlelight.
On Good Friday, events start at 6am with Verónica’s procession and end in the evening with the solemn burial procession. Easter Sunday brings a joyful “Encuentro” of Jesus and the Virgin Mary – complete with a child dressed as the angel “angelet” reciting verses of resurrection. Celebrations carry on to 28 April with the feast of San Vicente Ferrer and the traditional procession for the town’s sick.
Finally, Altea offers a fresh take on tradition. The local culture team has added a new twist to its Good Friday Way of the Cross in Altea la Vella – with five dramatic freeze-frame scenes from Jesus’ final hours. It takes place at noon at “El Calvari”, where 14 Stations of the Cross are set among the hillside.
From solemn candlelit walks to lively music in the streets, from red prawns on the coast to Easter cake in the hills, the Costa Blanca’s Semana Santa truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re here for faith, food, fun or just the sun – you’re in for a treat.