Easter 2026 Costa Blanca North: Schedule & Traditions

Easter on the Northern Costa Blanca: A feast for the senses (2026)

15 03 - 2026

Celebrating Easter on the Costa Blanca

When the scent of incense drifts through medieval streets and the rhythmic beat of drums fills the evening air, one of the most impressive times of the year begins on the North Costa Blanca: Semana Santa. Between Dénia and Altea, deep spirituality, centuries-old traditions, and the first warm spring sun blend into an experience that fascinates visitors and locals alike.

Key Traditions: More Than Just Processions

In Spain, Easter (Pascua) is not about hunting for chocolate eggs, but about witnessing the Passion of Christ through the community's eyes.

The Cofradías: Brotherhoods carry heavy, elaborately carved religious statues (Pasos) on their shoulders through the towns.
The "Encuentro": One of the most emotional moments on Easter Sunday, when the statue of the Risen Christ meets that of his mother – often accompanied by thousands of colorful paper strips (Aleluyas) raining from balconies.
Mona de Pascua: Be sure to try this traditional Easter cake, often featuring a hard-boiled egg in the middle. It takes center stage, especially on Easter Monday.

Dates & Highlights 2026: Where and When

Holy Week runs from March 29th (Palm Sunday) to April 6th (Easter Monday). Here are the main locations:

1. Dénia – Tradition in the shadow of the castleIn Dénia, the processions blend uniquely with the vibrant atmosphere of the port city.
March 29th (Palm Sunday): 11:30 AM – Traditional palm blessing in front of San Antonio church, followed by a colorful children's procession.
April 2nd (Maundy Thursday): 8:00 PM – Procession of the "La Pasión" brotherhood. Later (approx. 11:00 PM), the silent procession of the "Ecce Homo" brotherhood follows through the charming Loreto district.
April 3rd (Good Friday): 8:00 PM – The "Santo Entierro" (Holy Burial). This is Dénia's most important procession, with all brotherhoods participating.
April 5th (Easter Sunday): 11:00 AM – The joyful "Encuentro" at Plaza de la Constitución with the ringing of bells.

2. Jávea (Xàbia) – Maritime flair

March 29th (Palm Sunday): Blessing of the palm branches in the old town and the port district (Duanes de la Mar).
April 3rd (Good Friday): A highlight is the morning procession (7:00 AM) from the town center up to the Calvario chapel. In the evening (7:30 PM), the solemn procession through the historical center follows.

Tip: During the Easter holidays, a large traditional handicraft market usually takes place in the old town.

3. Benissa – Mysticism in medieval alleysIn Benissa, Holy Week has a particularly solemn character set against a historical backdrop.

April 2nd (Maundy Thursday): 9:00 PM – The Procesión del Silencio (Silent Procession). In the old town, street lighting is turned off. Only the candlelight of the faithful illuminates the path – a goosebump moment!
April 3rd (Good Friday): 7:30 PM – The great Santo Entierro procession leads to the Cathedral of the Marina (Basílica de la Puríssima Xiqueta).

4. Calpe – Between faith and the seaCalpe offers a very detailed program around the Ntra. Sra. de las Nieves church.

April 2nd (Maundy Thursday): At midnight (00:00), the impressive silent procession takes place.
April 3rd (Good Friday): 7:00 PM – The great "Holy Burial" procession.
April 5th (Easter Sunday): 11:00 AM – The solemn "Meeting" at San Salvador square.

5. Altea & Moraira – The quiet moments

Altea: The steep, white alleys of the old town provide the perfect stage. Especially the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday feel like a journey back in time.
Moraira: Here, on Monday Thursday (April 2nd) around 11:00 PM, a moving silent procession takes place from the village church.

The Grand Finale: Easter Monday (April 6th)

Lunes de Pascua is the day of family and nature. In places like Dénia, people head outdoors.

The Picnic: People meet in the Montgó natural park or on the beaches of Las Rotas.
Mona Ritual: The Mona de Pascua is eaten. Traditionally, you crack the hard-boiled egg of the Mona on a friend's forehead – it's said to bring good luck!
Kite Flying: At Las Marinas beach in Dénia, locals fly colorful kites (Cometas) in the afternoon – a wonderful spectacle to conclude the festivities.

Enjoy this unique blend of melancholy and joy of life – ¡Felices Pascuas!