Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week in Spain, a day that blends religious tradition, popular culture , and extensive urban planning to accommodate so many processions simultaneously. From the early hours of the morning, cities fill with palms, olive branches, and processions commemorating Jesus' entry into Jerusalem.
In much of the country, this day combines massive processions, solemn masses, and palm blessings , with routes that wind through historic city centers, emblematic squares, and cathedrals . Seville, Cádiz, Alcalá de Henares, León, Santander, and Toledo experience this start of Holy Week with great intensity, each with its own style but sharing the same liturgical starting point.
Religious meaning of Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday marks the end of Lent and the beginning of Holy Week , linking the time of spiritual preparation with the days commemorating the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the Catholic liturgy and among Christian religious orders , this Sunday has a dual character: festive, commemorating Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, and simultaneously focused on the Passion.
According to the Gospels, Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, received as the Messiah by a crowd that acclaimed him with cheers and palm branches. This scene is recreated in the Palm Sunday procession, in which the faithful and religious brotherhoods accompany images of Christ on the donkey or representations of this triumphal entry.
During the Eucharist on this day, two particularly significant moments are celebrated: the procession with olive branches and palms, and the solemn reading of the Passion narrative , usually taken from the Gospel of Matthew. The Church thus emphasizes that the initial joy leads to the journey toward the cross.
The use of palm fronds and olive branches has strong symbolism . In Jewish tradition, the palm was a sign of fertility and wealth, an element with multiple everyday uses, including for food. The olive branch, for its part, is associated with peace. Both elements are blessed at the beginning of the celebration and placed in prominent locations in the home or the synagogue.
Liturgical custom dictates that the blessed palms are kept throughout Holy Week and, once it is over, are burned in the parish. These ashes are used to prepare the Ash Wednesday rite of the following year, closing a symbolic cycle that unites penance, celebration, and remembrance.
In this context, the Church uses the color red in the liturgy of Palm Sunday because of its connection to the Passion of Christ and to the witness of faith unto total self-sacrifice. It is a day on which Jesus is proclaimed as the central figure of Christian life, both in the glory of his entry into Jerusalem and in his subsequent suffering.
Palm Sunday in Seville: schedules, routes and news
Seville celebrates Palm Sunday as one of the most anticipated days of its entire Holy Week calendar . The city switches into Holy Week mode from early afternoon and doesn't return to calm until well into the early hours of the morning, with the official procession route as its main axis and the Cathedral as the final destination.
In the Andalusian capital, nine brotherhoods process on this day: La Borriquita, Jesús Despojado, La Hiniesta, La Paz, La Cena, San Roque, La Amargura, La Estrella, and El Amor . Each one departs from its neighborhood, traverses emblematic streets, and enters the official route to perform its penitential station before the metropolitan cathedral.
The organized routes allow you to follow the penitents, floats, and processions through historic streets, wide squares, and more secluded corners . Consulting the official itineraries and timetables becomes almost essential for anyone wanting to plan ahead: you can identify key streets, anticipate changes in location, and find comfortable spots to watch each procession.
In 2026, a reorganization of the schedule was implemented to condense the day . One of the most striking changes is the earlier start of La Borriquita at La Campana, whose processional cross requests permission to proceed in the mid-afternoon, beginning the official route earlier than in previous years. These adjustments aim to prevent the day from becoming excessively long and to ensure that the last brotherhoods finish before the early hours of the morning.
The departure and return times of the brotherhoods set the rhythm of the day: La Paz begins at 1:00 PM , followed by La Cena and La Hiniesta, while El Amor and La Estrella close out the night , with their processions arriving around 1:00 AM and 2:00 AM respectively. In between, the entire afternoon and evening are filled with processional crosses, bands, and floats in the historic center.
Seville brotherhoods and their key points
To navigate the many schedules, it's helpful to focus on three key moments for each brotherhood: departure, passage through the central area, and return . In Seville, the Campana-Avenida-Plaza Virgen de los Reyes section acts as the backbone of the day's processions.
La Paz takes to the streets in the early afternoon, winding its way along wide avenues like Brasil and through iconic areas around MarÃa Luisa and Plaza de España before reaching the city center. Its presence in Campana and along the Avenida allows people to start the day with some space before the city becomes completely crowded.
The procession of La Cena begins with a very recognizable section near Plaza de los Terceros, Plaza de la Imagen, and the Encarnación area, before reaching La Campana and Plaza de San Francisco. The Christ of Humility and Patience has recently undergone conservation studies to ensure its long-term preservation.
Due to renovations at its usual church, La Hiniesta has moved its procession route to the Church of Santa Marina . The route passes through streets such as Relator and Feria, as well as Alameda and Trajano, connecting the neighborhood with the city center and showcasing one of the city's most distinctive brotherhoods. The brotherhood has also taken great care in maintaining its embroidery and processional items, with specific work done on its insignia.
La Borriquita maintains its role as a family-friendly Palm Sunday tradition, with a procession filled with children carrying palm branches, and a route that includes streets like Cuna and Amor de Dios before entering the official procession route. Its relatively early start allows many families to enjoy the day without it being too long.
The brotherhood of Jesus Stripped of His Garments travels through areas such as Zaragoza, San Pablo and the Magdalena area on its way to the center, offering numerous points of view in the commercial environment of the historic center, before heading towards the Arenal and returning to its headquarters.
From the eastern part of the city, the San Roque procession proceeds along Recaredo and Ponce de León streets until it reaches Imagen, Orfila, and Campana streets. In recent years, the Lord of Sorrows has been restored , and the Virgin of Grace and Hope now wears new canopy skirts made in specialized workshops, adding to the procession's historical significance.
The Amargura procession takes center stage in one of the day's most traditional routes, beginning along Feria Street, Torrejón Street, and Trajano Street, before passing through Campana and the Cathedral. Among its recent additions are a new Marian insignia, linked to its biblical origins , and the restored headdress of its Dolorosa (Our Lady of Sorrows).
The Estrella procession departs from Triana , crossing the bridge and proceeding along Reyes Católicos and San Pablo streets before reaching La Campana. This year, the brotherhood celebrates the anniversary of its chapel with the procession departing from San Jacinto and debuting the canopy by Garduño, which was used for the canonical coronation . A band of bugles and drums will follow the processional cross.
Finally, El Amor brings Seville's Palm Sunday to a close, with its late departure from El Salvador and a procession through Cuna, Campana, and the Cathedral, serving as a symbolic end to the day. The Virgen del Socorro leaves the cathedral through the Puerta de Palos near midnight, with the atmosphere concentrated in the city center.
Quick guide to planning Palm Sunday in Seville
With so many brotherhoods in the streets, it's essential to have a simple strategy: choose two or three key moments and don't try to see everything . A common mistake is trying to follow too many processions, jumping from one to another in a rush.
A sensible option is to combine a departure in your neighborhood, a stop along the official route, and a return . This way, you can experience three distinct atmospheres: the excitement of the first bell ringing at the church door, the solemnity of passing through the city center, and the intimate atmosphere of the return.
If you prefer to avoid large crowds, it's best to choose side streets a bit further away from the most crowded squares . Official timetables include information on specific locations, allowing you to position yourself well in advance in intermediate sections where the crowds are more spread out.
Before heading out, it's helpful to check for any last-minute announcements regarding delays, incidents, or weather-related changes . A small change in a procession can disrupt the entire schedule, and that affects the best viewing spots.
For those using public transport or arriving by private vehicle, it's important to be aware of road closures, detours, and limited parking areas . Planning your arrival and departure from the city center with plenty of time will help you avoid unnecessary rushing, especially late at night.
Palm Sunday in Cadiz: five brotherhoods and a coastal atmosphere
In Cádiz, Palm Sunday also formally opens the city's Holy Week processions, with five brotherhoods parading through the streets from midday until the early hours of the morning . Holy Week in Cádiz lasts for eight days and grows in both the number of processions and the number of participants each year.
The procession that inaugurates the official route is La Paz y Amparo, popularly known as La Borriquita , which departs from the parish of San José. Its route along the main avenue and around San Juan de Dios, with children carrying palms and olive branches, symbolizes the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and serves as the starting signal for the entire week.
The Las Penas brotherhood follows a very central route, passing through streets such as Sagasta, Hospital de Mujeres, Plaza de las Flores, and the area around the Cathedral before entering the official procession route. It is one of the brotherhoods with the largest crowds on this day, thanks to its afternoon schedule and the ease with which it can be seen from various points in the historic center.
Another key player is the Brotherhood of the Last Supper , which departs from Santo Domingo Church and boasts one of the largest processions. This year, it is noteworthy that Our Lady of All Saints is processing under a canopy for the first time during Holy Week , having previously only participated in special processions. The route through Compás de Santo Domingo, Plocia, San Juan de Dios, the official procession route, and streets such as Columela and San Francisco encompasses some of the city's most iconic landmarks.
The Despojado procession , based in a church linked to the Salesians, undertakes one of the longest routes of the day, linking the main avenue with the traditional city center, and its return to the church often extends well into the night. Its presence on the official route coincides with the peak of the afternoon's procession.
Finally, Humildad y Paciencia (Humility and Patience) closes Palm Sunday in Cádiz with a late afternoon/evening procession that passes through San AgustÃn, San Francisco, the official route, and streets like Ancha and San José. In this way, the festive atmosphere continues well past midnight, with a constant stream of penitents and processional music.
Those unable to travel to the center of Cadiz can follow the day's events through live broadcasts from local media , which usually start from midday and cover both the departures and the most significant points of the Official Route.
Alcalá de Henares: Borriquita and Jesús Despojado in a Holy Week of national interest
Alcalá de Henares, whose Holy Week celebrations are recognized as a Festival of National Tourist Interest , begins its most intense phase precisely on Palm Sunday. Although events and processions are already held on Good Friday, it is this day that concentrates the bulk of the initial activities.
In the morning, the traditional procession of the Borriquita takes place , organized this year by the Brotherhood of the Column. It departs from the Magistral Cathedral and, after passing through the Plaza de los Santos Niños and streets such as San Juan, the procession arrives at the Courtyard of Arms of the Archbishop's Palace, where the blessing of the palms is celebrated . Afterwards, the procession returns to the cathedral area via a route that passes through Santiago, Imagen, Mayor, and Santos Niños streets again.
This morning event is geared towards families and children , with a festive yet respectful atmosphere, bouquets held high, and marching bands accompanying the procession of the Borriquita (little donkey). The Jesús de Medinaceli Musical Group from Alcalá is responsible for providing the musical accompaniment to the procession.
Later in the afternoon, the Brotherhood of Jesus Stripped of His Garments takes center stage, making its penitential procession from the Magistral Cathedral. The extensive route winds through much of Alcalá de Henares' historic center, including streets such as Tercia, Santa Catalina, Trinidad, Colegios, the area around Plaza de Cervantes, Libreros, Mayor, and Santiago, among others.
The afternoon route allows visitors to view the procession in different urban settings: from the most monumental and touristy areas to narrower, more secluded streets . The brotherhood's return to the church takes place at night, in a more subdued and quiet atmosphere, in contrast to the bustle of the early morning.
León: Palm Sunday processions and route changes
In León, Palm Sunday is characterized by a packed schedule of processions, blessings, and events throughout the day , from the early morning hours to the evening and night. The old town becomes a continuous stage for processions and processional music.
One of the highlights is the grand morning procession organized by the Governing Board of Brotherhoods and Fraternities , which departs from the Diocesan and Holy Week Museum. The route passes through streets such as Mariano DomÃnguez Berrueta, La Sal, La Paloma, and Cardiles before reaching Plegaria and Plaza de San MartÃn, and ends in Plaza de Regla, in front of the Cathedral.
This year's procession route has been changed before reaching the Church of the Prayer (Plegaria) , passing through La Sal, La Paloma, and Cardiles to offer new perspectives and better distribute the crowds. Around midday, the blessing of the palms takes place , followed by Mass in the Cathedral, which is also attended by institutional representatives.
In addition, other palm processions are scheduled in various parishes and brotherhoods , with routes through neighborhoods such as San Francisco de la Vega and Jesús Divino Obrero, as well as from Santa Marina La Real. Each procession includes its own blessing of palms and a more localized itinerary, geared towards the residents of each area.
As the afternoon progresses and night falls, the spotlight shifts to processions such as the Procession of Christ of Great Power or the Inmemorial Procession of the "Dainos," which travel through historic streets, squares such as the Grano or the Mayor, and iconic spaces like the Plaza de Regla, all with a more penitential tone that contrasts with the cheerful character of the morning palm processions.
Santander: Palm Sunday procession and the start of an intense week
In Santander, Palm Sunday is celebrated as one of the most popular events of the year , with a main procession that travels through the city center and marks the official start of the main days of Holy Week.
The day begins with the blessing of palms in the Town Hall square , where numerous faithful gather carrying palms and laurel branches. From there, the procession departs for the Cathedral, which hosts the Eucharist presided over by the diocesan bishop, in an atmosphere that combines citizen participation with liturgical solemnity.
The event is organized by the Brotherhood of the Descent from the Cross , and the musical accompaniment is provided by the Virgen de la Amargura Band of Santander , which has decades of experience in processional music. The procession includes banners, members of the brotherhood in their robes, and numerous participants who follow the procession carrying bouquets.
In the afternoon, the program concludes with the Procession of the Little Donkey and a children's parade , activities that introduce Holy Week to the youngest members of the community and enhance the festive atmosphere of the day. All of this is part of a Holy Week celebration declared a Festival of Regional Tourist Interest, featuring up to thirteen processions with more than twenty floats.
During the following days, the brotherhoods of Santander put images of great devotional and historical value on the street , among which the Recumbent Christ of the Third Order stands out, integrated into a program coordinated by eleven brotherhoods that give continuity to the beginning marked by Palm Sunday.
Toledo: Liturgical celebration of Palm Sunday in the Primate Cathedral
In Toledo, a city with a strong religious tradition, Palm Sunday centers especially on the liturgical celebrations at the Primate Cathedral , presided over by the archbishop. Although there are also processions and events throughout the city, the main focus of the day is the cathedral.
The program includes a solemn Palm Sunday procession in the morning , departing from the area around the Cathedral and involving the faithful, clergy, and authorities. Following the procession, the Mass of Passion Sunday is celebrated, with the proclamation of the Gospel narrative and the use of red vestments appropriate for the day.
The ceremonies can also be followed through diocesan media outlets , making it easier for the elderly, the sick, or those living outside the city to participate remotely in the liturgy. This format is then integrated into the calendar of Holy Week in Toledo, which includes the Chrism Mass on Holy Tuesday, the celebrations of the Easter Triduum, and the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night.
Overall, Palm Sunday in Toledo links the processional and liturgical start of Holy Week with the daily life of the historic city, offering a first glimpse of the atmosphere that will be experienced in the following days around the old town and the Cathedral.
Palm Sunday is thus a particularly busy day throughout Spain, with cities like Seville, Cádiz, Alcalá de Henares, León, Santander, and Toledo combining processions, palm blessings, solemn masses, and tours of their historic centers . Understanding the religious significance of the day, studying schedules and routes, and choosing the right spots to stand helps you enjoy it calmly, avoiding overcrowding and taking advantage of the cultural, artistic, and spiritual richness that this first major day of Holy Week offers.
