Semana Santa en pueblos de Madrid: Una experiencia única

Easter in Chinchón, Alcalá de Henares, or Aranjuez is undoubtedly among the most popular in the Community of Madrid, due to the beauty and history of their processions and living passions.

However, there are other towns in Madrid that, despite not being as famous, enjoy a deeply traditional Holy Week. Today we bring you some suggestions on where to experience these days of reflection in a unique way.

Colmenar de Oreja

Located 60 kilometers from Madrid, in the southeast of the region, is Colmenar de Oreja, a village with great charm marked by its tradition of stonemasonry.

Its Holy Week begins with the mass and the procession of Silence at 11:30 pm, although hours earlier, at 6:00 pm, the representation of the Last Supper takes place.

On Good Friday, there will be a Via Crucis at 11:00 am, the celebration of the Passion of the Lord at 5:00 pm, and the procession of the Holy Burial at 8:00 pm.

For Holy Saturday, two solemn Easter vigils are scheduled: one organized by the Augustinians (8:00 pm) and another by the parish (12:00 pm). Easter Sunday will feature the traditional Encounter procession in the town’s main square at 11:00 am.

Attending some of these processions is the perfect excuse to taste some of their most typical desserts, such as «pelotas de fraile,» and to enjoy some of their most emblematic places: the Zacatín Bridge and Gardens, the Barranco Fountain, or their quarries.

Villarejo de Salvanés

Its living passion is one of the most recognized in the Community of Madrid. In fact, it is declared a Regional Tourist Interest. However, the medieval atmosphere of the town makes its processions especially magical.

On Maundy Thursday, at 6:00 pm, there will be the Holy Mass of the Lord’s Supper in the parish. Following this, there will be the procession and the representation of the living passion, which this year, on its 45th anniversary, promises to surprise both visitors and the locals.

From 5:00 am on Good Friday, religious events begin in the town. The first procession of the day is scheduled for 6:30 pm, but just before, at 5:00 pm, the Celebration of the Passion of the Lord will take place. The last event of the day will be the Silent Procession at 10:00 pm.

On Holy Saturday, a day of reflection, a solemn Easter vigil is held at 11:00 pm, while the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is celebrated on Sunday with a solemn Resurrection Mass at 12:00 pm.

The living passion, along with the processions, blends with the medieval architecture that decorates the town. So, if you decide to visit during Holy Week, it becomes the perfect opportunity to discover its streets, its history, and its heritage.

San Martín de Valdeiglesias

Holy Week is one of the most important events for the inhabitants of this medieval town located next to the San Juan reservoir.

The events begin on Maundy Wednesday with the Men’s Mass at 8:00 pm. Three hours later, at 11:00 pm, the procession of the Holy Christ of Humility takes place.

On Maundy Thursday, various events are scheduled, including the Holy Mass and, later, the procession of the Passion of the Lord at 7:00 pm.

On Good Friday, the services are held at 7:00 pm, followed by the emotional Silent Procession at 11:00 pm. At the same time on Holy Saturday, the Encounter Procession is scheduled.

Just a few meters from the Royal Square, where most processions begin and end, is La Carrocera Estate, a restaurant where you can taste some of the typical dishes of the town.

Additionally, during your visit, you can enjoy other charms such as the imposing La Coracera Castle, the magical Enchanted Forest, or the numerous medieval hermitages that enrich the heritage of San Martín de Valdeiglesias.

Cadalso de los Vidrios

Bordering Ávila and Toledo is Cadalso de los Vidrios, a town whose cobbled streets, Gothic church, and mountainous landscape make its processions live with a special charm.

Although its first procession is scheduled for Holy Thursday, the residents have been preparing for the vigils with great devotion.

On April 17, the day begins with Solemn Lauds at 10:00 am. In the afternoon, there will be the foot washing ceremony (7:00 pm), the community Holy Hour (8:00 pm), and, at 9:00 pm, the first procession.

For Good Friday, another Solemn Lauds is scheduled for 11:00 am, followed by a Via Crucis at 12:00 pm. In the afternoon, the events continue with the Meditation of the Seven Words at the Christ of Humilladero (3:00 pm), the celebration of the Passion (7:00 pm), and the Silent Procession (10:00 pm).

On Holy Saturday, also known in the town as the Day of Spiritual Silence, starts with Solemn Lauds at 10:00 am and ends with the Easter Vigil at 11:00 pm. Easter Sunday is celebrated with a single Solemn Mass at 12:00 pm.

Located about 80 kilometers from Madrid, Cadalso de los Vidrios is a perfect rural getaway to enjoy Holy Week and take the opportunity to visit some of its most emblematic buildings, such as the Marqués de Villena Palace, its 19th-century Bullring, or the old washhouse.