Madrid presents the 2026 Holy Week programme: 30 processions and a proclamation at La Almudena

Madrid has begun the countdown to its 2026 Holy Week with the moving proclamation at Almudena Cathedral.

On Saturday 7 March, at 20:00, Juan Manuel Venegas Valladares (a brother of the Brotherhood of Los Estudiantes) combined prose, verse and Easter-brotherhood passion to extol Madrid’s tradition. Presided over by Cardinal José Cobo, the event featured the Agrupación Musical Padre Jesús Nazareno 'El Pobre' and the presence of authorities such as Tourism Councillor Almudena Maíllo and Centro Councillor Carlos Segura. The solemn procession set off from Plaza de la Villa (19:00), decked out with banners, travelled along Calle Mayor escorted by the Policía Municipal in ceremonial dress, and culminated at the Almudena with a proclamation that covered the period from Viernes de Dolores to the Resurrection, highlighting iconic Christs such as El Gran Poder, Divino Cautivo, El Pobre and Medinaceli.

Madrid Holy Week 2026: from 27 March to 5 April The capital lives its passion from 27 March (Viernes de Dolores) to 5 April (Domingo de Resurrección) with more than 30 processions in Centro. Official route established via Puerta del Sol (aspiring to Fiesta de Interés Turístico Regional status). Key dates:

Viernes de Dolores (27 Mar): Cristo del Pozo, Cristo del Perdón (19:00 Basílica San Pedro Apóstol).

Domingo Ramos (29 Mar): La Borriquita (15:15 Almudena), Silencio (Atocha), Los Estudiantes (18:30 San Miguel, Plaza Villa/Oriente).

Miércoles Santo (1 Apr): Los Gitanos (19:00 San Pedro Mártir).

Jueves Santo (2 Apr): Gran Poder y Macarena (19:00 San Pedro Mártir), El Pobre (19:00 San Pedro Apóstol), Divino Cautivo (19:00 San Lorenzo).

Viernes Santo (3 Apr): Medinaceli (19:00 Basílica, Sol/Cibeles/Prado), Alabarderos (19:00 Palacio Real, Plaza Mayor). Santo Entierro (20:30 Atocha).

Sábado Santo (4 Apr): Virgen de los Dolores (19:00 San Ginés).

Traffic closures and mobility The proclamation caused closures from 18:30 to 22:00 on Calle Mayor/Villa. Processions: 12:00–23:00 Alcalá, Gran Vía, Carrera San Jerónimo, Sol, Callao (map at madrid.es). Metro Sol/Sevilla/Callao reinforced, EMOV app.

Gastronomy and culture: torrijas and more Torrijas route (ASEMPAS/ACYRE): potaje, pan de muerto in Centro churrerías. Cultural programme: Ciclo Órgano San Ginés (4–14 Apr), saetas from balconies, a tamborrada in Plaza Mayor for the Resurrection celebration, brotherhood exhibition. City Council: «Holy Week = tradition + identity + tourism».

Tips for enjoying it

Best spot: Puerta del Sol/Jueves-Viernes Santo.

Top torrijas: Chocolatería San Ginés, Casa Lucio.

App: esmadrid.com/semanasanta (map/timetables).

Madrid Holy Week: faith, history and passion in the streets. Don’t miss it!