Holy Week

Holy Week in Ponferrada, declared a Festival of Tourist Interest of Castile and León, is one of the most important and deeply felt religious celebrations in El Bierzo. With centuries of history, this commemoration combines religious fervor, tradition, art, and profound popular participation, turning the streets of the historic center into a setting of reflection and solemnity.

Organized mainly by the Real Brotherhood of Jesús Nazareno, Holy Week in Ponferrada includes numerous processions that take place from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. The floats, many of them of great artistic and historical value, are carried on the shoulders of the members of the brotherhood, dressed in tunics and pointed hoods that evoke the Castilian tradition.

Among the most notable processions are the Procession of Silence, the Procession of the Encounter, and the Holy Burial. Each of them offers a unique atmosphere, in which the sound of drums and cornets, together with the respectful silence of the public, contribute to creating a deeply moving experience. The Procession of the Encounter, held on Good Friday morning, is especially emotional, as it represents the moment when the Virgin meets her Son on the way to Calvary.

During these days, Ponferrada is transformed. The city decorates its balconies with religious symbols, is adorned with flowers and lights, and welcomes numerous visitors and devotees attracted by the beauty and authenticity of this celebration. In addition to its religious component, Holy Week is also an opportunity to enjoy the cultural heritage, the gastronomy of El Bierzo, and the welcoming atmosphere of the city.

Holy Week in Ponferrada is not only a manifestation of faith, but also a living expression of its cultural identity. Its perfect combination of devotion, tradition, sacred art, and collective sentiment makes it a celebration that transcends the religious sphere to become a profoundly human and spiritual experience, capable of moving both believers and visitors.

INFORMATION

📍 Location and contact

• Address: A total of 15 processions organized by the local brotherhoods. The processions mainly pass through the historic center of the city, including the area of the Basilica of La Encina, Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Calle del Reloj, Plaza de la Encina, and the Atrium of the Basilica. The exact route of each procession may vary, so it is recommended to consult the official program for detailed information on schedules and specific routes.
• Approximate date: Holy Week
• Web: https://www.ponferrada.org/turismo/es/semanasanta
• Telephone: +34 987 446 600. Ponferrada City Council
• Email: info@ponferrada.org 
• Social Media:
  • Instagram: @aytoponferrada
  • X (formerly Twitter): @AytoPonferrada
  • Facebook: AytoPonferrada
  • YouTube: AytoPonferrada
  • TikTok: @aytoponferrada
  • LinkedIn: AytoPonferrada
  • To contact directly the Real Brotherhood of Jesús Nazareno, the main organizer of the processions, you can do so through the following means:
    • Address: Plaza Virgen de la Encina, 2, 24401 Ponferrada, León, Spain
    • Email: info@realhermandaddejesusnazareno.com 
    • Website: www.realhermandaddejesusnazareno.com

🕒 Timetables: Main schedules of Holy Week 2025 in Ponferrada (subject to change):

• Holy Saturday: Procession of Solitude at 22:00
• Easter Sunday: Procession at 11:00
• Good Friday: “The Encounter” at 09:00
• Holy Thursday (Procession of the Last Supper): departure at 20:00
• Holy Wednesday (Procession of Silence): departure at 22:30

Main schedules and routes

• Saturday 5 April (Passion Saturday): Nazareno Lambrión Chupacandiles: Departure at 16:30 from the Basilica of Our Lady of La Encina.
• Sunday 6 April (Palm Sunday): Palm Procession: Departure at 11:00 from Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
• Thursday 10 April (Holy Thursday): Procession of the Last Supper: Departure at 20:00 from the Church of San Pedro.
• Friday 11 April (Good Friday): Procession of Silence: Departure at 22:30 from the Church of San Pedro.
• Sunday 13 April (Easter Sunday): Resurrection Procession: Departure at 11:00 from Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

♿ Accessibility: Yes. Holy Week in Ponferrada is characterized by its accessibility, both for people with reduced mobility and for those who prefer to enjoy the processions from a reserved seat. Accessibility for people with reduced mobility: The City Council of Ponferrada has implemented improvements in urban infrastructure to facilitate access during Holy Week. For example, €50,000 have been invested in adapting pedestrian crossings in streets such as Eladia Baylina and Huertas del Sacramento, with the aim of improving mobility for people with difficulties in moving around.