The Costa Blanca is not only synonymous with sun and beaches. Every spring, the province of Alicante becomes a unique setting of tradition, faith and culture with the celebration of Easter. Solemn processions, sculptures of great artistic value, marching bands and thousands of brotherhood members fill the streets of both large and small towns, creating an experience that attracts residents and visitors alike.
The richness of these celebrations has been recognised with numerous Tourism Interest declarations at different levels, reflecting their cultural, historical and touristic importance.
Celebrations of International Tourist Interest
Domingo de Ramos in Elche
Palm Sunday in Elche is one of the most emblematic events of Easter in the province. Declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest in 1997, it gathers tens of thousands of people every year who accompany the procession of the Triumphant Jesus, popularly known as Pas de la Burreta.
One of its most distinctive elements is the white woven palm leaves, handcrafted from the leaves of Elche’s palm grove, a tradition documented since the 14th century. These palms, true works of art, fill the streets in a procession that runs through the historic centre to the Basilica of Santa María.
Easter in Orihuela
Easter in Orihuela is one of the most monumental and solemn in Spain. Recognised as a Festival of International Tourist Interest, it stands out for the artistic quality of its processional floats and the participation of numerous historic brotherhoods.
Among its most iconic moments is the Procession of Silence, which moves through the streets of the historic centre in an atmosphere of reflection and solemnity.
Easter in Crevillent
Also declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest, Easter in Crevillent is known for its deep musical tradition and its sculptural heritage.
The processions are characterised by the large number of bands and choirs performing sacred music, creating a truly special atmosphere. Events such as the Friday of Sorrows or Palm Sunday gather thousands of locals and visitors every year.
Celebration of National Tourist Interest
Easter in Alicante
Easter in Alicante combines religious tradition with a Mediterranean atmosphere. With processions that pass through historic neighbourhoods such as Santa Cruz or the city centre, it is one of the most widely followed celebrations in the province.
Among its best-known events are the Procession of the Holy Burial and the departure of many floats from historic churches such as the Basilica of Santa María or the Co-Cathedral of San Nicolás.
Celebration of Regional Tourist Interest
Easter in Guardamar del Segura
Easter in Guardamar del Segura stands out for its popular character and the family-friendly atmosphere in its streets. Its processions run through the town between the sea and the urban centre, combining religious tradition with the natural surroundings.
Holy Week of Novelda
The processions of Holy Week in Novelda originate from the ancient Burial of Christ procession. Today, processions are held from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. The Procession of the Holy Burial stands out on the afternoon of Good Friday, during which all 15 brotherhoods that currently make up the Major Board participate, with around 2,500 members taking part.
Holy Week of Calpe
Calp’s Holy Week is organized by the Major Board of Brotherhoods with the support of the parish and the town hall. It is a religious, cultural, and tourist event. Several brotherhoods are involved: the Brotherhood of Christ of the Powerful Gypsies, the Brotherhood of Jesus the Nazarene, the Brotherhood of Christ of the Three Falls, the Brotherhood of Silence, and the Brotherhood of Our Lady of Health. Important events include the Palm Sunday and Encounter processions, the night Way of the Cross from the Port of Calp to the Church of the Virgin of the Snows, the proclamation ceremony that officially begins Calp’s Holy Week, and the “Levantá” and presentation of the banner.
Celebrations of Provincial Tourist Interest
Easter in Aspe
In Aspe, Easter is experienced with great intensity and strong participation from local brotherhoods. Its processions are marked by solemnity and the involvement of the entire town.
Easter in Callosa de Segura
Callosa de Segura hosts one of the most deeply rooted Easter celebrations in the Vega Baja region, with numerous processions known for their tradition and popular participation.
Easter in Monóvar
The processions in Monóvar combine religious tradition and cultural heritage, with historic brotherhoods that have kept these celebrations alive for generations.
The Passion of Elche
In addition to its processions, Elche hosts The Passion, a theatrical performance that recreates the final days of Jesus Christ and has become an important cultural event during this period.
Easter in Rojales
In Rojales, processions stand out as they pass through the town centre and along the Segura River, accompanied by bands and strong local participation.
Easter in Torrevieja
Easter in Torrevieja is one of the most crowded in the Vega Baja region. Its processions, with large floats and numerous brotherhoods, attract thousands of visitors every year.
Easter in Almoradí
Almoradí celebrates a deeply rooted Easter tradition in the Vega Baja region, with processions that combine tradition, music and devotion.
Celebrations of Local Tourist Interest
Easter in Catral
The participation of local brotherhoods and an atmosphere of reflection define the processions in Catral, which gather locals and visitors every year.
Tourist Interest Celebration
The Passion of Callosa de Segura
The representation of The Passion of Callosa de Segura is one of the most unique cultural events of Easter in the province. Many local residents take part in recreating the final moments of Jesus Christ’s life in a performance that blends theatre, tradition and spirituality.
Easter on the Costa Blanca stands out for its diversity. From the white palms of Elche to the solemnity of Orihuela or the musical tradition of Crevillent, each town brings its own identity to these celebrations.
Beyond its religious aspect, these festivities represent a living cultural heritage, capable of attracting visitors from all over the world and showcasing the historical and artistic richness of the province of Alicante.
