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Girona changes one of its most iconic Semana Santa images: the manaies will no longer strike the cathedral steps
The Sant Enterrament de Girona procession will change one of its most recognisable moments this 3 April: the manaies will not strike the cathedral steps to avoid damaging the stone of the monument.
Girona’s emblematic procession changes its route. The ‘manaies’ will stop striking the cathedral steps. The decision seeks to preserve historic heritage. The traditional sound will remain at other points in the centre. A change that marks a before and after in local Holy Week.
Holy Week in Girona will undergo an unexpected change this year that will not go unnoticed by those who closely follow Catalan traditions. The emblematic Good Friday procession, known for the roar of the ‘manaies’ striking their lances on the cathedral steps, will no longer be heard at that key point on the route. The measure responds to the urgent need to protect the city’s architectural heritage and avoid damage to one of its most visited monuments.
Residents who dress as Roman soldiers every year will keep the characteristic metallic sound in other streets in the historic centre, but the cathedral staircase will be left out of this part of the ritual. The decision, made after assessing the impact of the tradition on the centuries-old stone, represents a significant change in the procession experience and Girona’s collective memory.
The rest of the celebration will retain its essence, allowing the public to continue enjoying the solemn atmosphere and the parade of the ‘manaies’ through cobbled streets. However, the absence of the thunderous noise on the steps will mark a before and after for those who attend this deeply rooted city event every year.
The Girona cathedral staircase is much more than a monumental entrance: it has become a symbol of the city and a setting for numerous cultural and religious events. Its architecture, recognisable for its more than ninety stone steps, has witnessed centuries of history and the evolution of local traditions. Protecting this space is a priority for institutions and for those who value Girona’s heritage legacy, especially on dates as significant as Holy Week.
Procession details, 3 April: Sant Enterrament 21:00, Cathedral (return 23:00). Manaies avoid the Pujada Sant Feliu steps (damage to BCIN stone); sound at Plaça Sant Feliu/Ballesteries. Brotherhoods + Romans attract tourists. UNESCO Girona prioritises conservation.