Holy Week in Córdoba 2026 — Complete Guide
40 brotherhoods, 25,000 participants, and one moment nobody forgets: La Madrugada on Good Friday at midnight, absolute silence, drums echoing off 10th-century stone. This guide covers the procession schedule, where to stand, and what not to do.
Key facts at a glance
29 March – 5 April (8 days)
40 hermandades, 25,000 participants
La Madrugada (Good Friday, midnight–5am)
Free (grandstand seats €15–30)
Recognition: Festival of International Tourist Interest since 2014
In this guide
Understanding Holy Week in Córdoba
Holy Week in Córdoba (Semana Santa) is not a tourist spectacle but an expression of faith lived with an intensity that spans centuries. Unlike Seville, where the atmosphere is festive — with applause and olés — Córdoba values reverence and respectful silence.
Forty brotherhoods (hermandades or cofradías) process from their home churches to the Mezquita-Catedral, creating tableaux unique in the world: baroque floats (pasos) laden with gilded sculptures pass beneath the horseshoe arches of the most iconic Islamic monument in the Western world. This visual fusion of Christian heritage and Islamic architecture is found nowhere else — it is uniquely Córdoba's.
Holy Week vocabulary
- Hermandad / Cofradía
- Religious brotherhood that organizes the procession. Each has its own colors, history, and identity.
- Paso
- The processional throne or float carrying the sacred sculptures. Weight: up to 2 tonnes. Often decorated with flowers, candles, and baroque silverwork.
- Nazareno
- A hooded penitent wearing the brotherhood's tunic. Anonymity symbolizes equality before God.
- Costalero
- The bearer who carries the paso. He walks under the float with outstretched arms, invisible to the crowd. Intense physical effort; perfect synchronization required.
- Saeta
- A sacred flamenco song, sung spontaneously from a balcony as a procession passes below. A moment of intense emotion.
- Carrera Oficial
- The official route that all processions must follow, passing in front of the Mezquita-Catedral.
Day-by-day programme 2026
Palm Sunday (29 March)
Hermandad de la Esperanza
Official opening of Holy Week from the church of San Andrés. A family procession marking Christ's entry into Jerusalem, with the distribution of blessed palm fronds.
Holy Monday (30 March)
Hermandad de la Sentencia
Córdoba's largest brotherhood. Departs from the church of San Nicolás de la Villa. The Cristo de la Sentencia is one of the city's most venerated images.
Holy Tuesday (31 March)
Hermandad del Descendimiento
Moving procession depicting the Descent from the Cross. Route from San Francisco to the Mezquita, with a spectacular passage over the illuminated Roman Bridge.
Holy Wednesday (1 April)
Hermandad de la Piedad / Hermandad del Calvario
Two major processions. The Virgen de la Piedad, nicknamed 'La Gitana', is carried by the Romani community in an atmosphere of intense flamenco devotion.
Holy Thursday (2 April) - Most intense day
6 brotherhoods including Jesús Nazareno
A marathon day with 6 processions in succession. The entire city becomes a continuous processional route. The climax comes at 10:00 pm when several processions converge on the Mezquita.
Good Friday - MADRUGADA (3 April, early hours)
Hermandad de la Buena Muerte
THE most solemn and mystical moment of Córdoba's Holy Week. In ABSOLUTE SILENCE (no talking, applauding or flash photography), the military brotherhood winds through streets plunged into darkness. Muffled drums beat out the funeral march. Arrival at the Mezquita at dawn. An unforgettable spiritual experience even for non-believers. Tip: position yourself on Calle Cardenal Herrero from 11:00 pm to secure a place.
Good Friday - Daytime (3 April)
Los Dolores, Santo Sepulcro, Virgen de los Remedios
After the intensity of the Madrugada, the Good Friday processions continue with the Passion and the entombment. The Virgen de los Dolores is particularly revered by the people of Córdoba.
Holy Saturday (4 April)
Virgen de la Soledad
Procession of mourning and the Virgin's solitude following Christ's death. Solemn atmosphere, lit by candlelight alone.
Easter Sunday (5 April)
Hermandad de la Resurrección
Joyful procession celebrating the Resurrection. Nazarenos wear brilliant white, drums give way to brass bands. Festive atmosphere marking the end of Holy Week.
Tip: For a first visit, Palm Sunday or Holy Monday are ideal (smaller crowds). For maximum intensity: Holy Thursday (6 processions) and the Madrugada on Good Friday.
La Madrugada: the most intense experience
La Madrugada (the early hours) of Good Friday is the most solemn and mystical moment of Córdoba's Holy Week. At the stroke of midnight, in an absolute silence broken only by the low beat of drums, the Hermandad de la Buena Muerte (Brotherhood of the Good Death) begins its nocturnal procession.
A military brotherhood founded in 1953, it is composed of soldiers and officers of the Spanish army. The penitents wear black tunics as a symbol of mourning and the death of Christ. The Cristo de la Buena Muerte, an 18th-century sculpture, is carried by military costaleros in complete religious silence.
Strict rules of La Madrugada
- ABSOLUTE SILENCE: no talking, whispering, or noise of any kind
- No camera flash (it disrupts the solemnity)
- Do NOT applaud (considered sacrilegious)
- Phones on silent (a ringtone is a public embarrassment)
- Do not drink alcohol visibly
Tips for experiencing La Madrugada
- Arrive on Calle Cardenal Herrero around 11pm to secure a good spot
- Bring a warm jacket (temperatures drop to 6–8°C between midnight and 5am)
- No bars open: bring a flask of coffee or tea
- Camera set to high ISO (1600–3200) — no flash
- Unforgettable even for non-believers
A visitor's account
"I'm not religious, but La Madrugada shook me to the core. That absolute silence in the medieval alleyways, broken only by the low beat of drums and the sound of footsteps on cobblestones... When the paso passed just a few centimeters away from me in the Calleja de las Flores, lit only by candlelight, I had goosebumps. It's a spiritual experience I can't really put into words."
— A visitor, April 2025
Key monuments of Holy Week
The processions pass through Córdoba's most iconic monuments, creating striking tableaux where Islamic heritage and Christian baroque meet.
Mezquita-Catedral
A compulsory stop for all processions. The pasos cross the Patio de los Naranjos in a striking contrast between Islamic arches and baroque sculpture.
Calleja de las Flores
The iconic alley offering the classic shot with the Mezquita tower in the background. The pasos squeeze through the narrow passage — a truly unique atmosphere.
Cristo de los Faroles
The emblematic monument of Córdoba's Holy Week, at Plaza de Capuchinos. A key stop on La Madrugada route, it symbolizes local devotion.
Roman Bridge
Candlelit night processions crossing this 2,000-year-old Roman bridge create a magnificent spectacle over the Guadalquivir river.
Church of San Lorenzo
Departure point for several brotherhoods from the San Lorenzo neighborhood. Remarkable Mudéjar architecture and an authentic local atmosphere.
Church of Santa Marina
A working-class neighborhood church where the Santa Marina brotherhoods begin their processions. Intense popular devotion, far from the tourist trail.
Best spots to watch the processions
Mezquita-Cathedral (Carrera Oficial)
⏰ Variable depending on the brotherhood
Mandatory stopping point for all processions. The pasos enter through the Puerta del Perdón and cross the Patio de los Naranjos. Iconic but very busy (arrive 2 hours early).
Calleja de las Flores
⏰ 30–45 min after each brotherhood's departure
Iconic alley with a view of the Mezquita tower. Very narrow passage for the pasos, perfect for photography. Limited capacity: arrive early.
Puente Romano
⏰ Variable depending on routes
Illuminated Roman Bridge, spectacular setting for night-time processions. Open view over the Guadalquivir and the Torre de la Calahorra. Less crowded than the centre.
Plaza del Potro
⏰ 8:00–10:00 pm for certain brotherhoods
Picturesque square in the historic quarter. Authentic local atmosphere, fewer tourists. Several bars with terraces to watch the processions.
Plaza de Capuchinos (Cristo de los Faroles)
⏰ Variable, notably during the Madrugada
Facing the famous Cristo de los Faroles, an iconic symbol of Córdoba's Holy Week. Authentic local atmosphere, passed during the Madrugada. Less touristy than the centre.
San Lorenzo - Santa Marina (off-centre)
⏰ Start and end of processions from these quarters
Traditional neighbourhoods with the churches of San Lorenzo and Santa Marina where several brotherhoods begin. Very local atmosphere, authentic devotion, zero tourists. Recommended for experiencing Holy Week as a local.
Paid grandstands (tribunas)
The Tribuna Real, set up in front of the Mezquita, offers seated places with a guaranteed front-on view of the processions as they pass. Ideal for people with reduced mobility or families with children.
- • Standard grandstand: €15 (Palm Sunday, Monday, Tuesday)
- • Premium grandstand: €25 (Thursday, Good Friday afternoon, Saturday)
- • VIP grandstand: €30 (prime view + cushion)
Booking: turismodecordoba.org (from January 2026)
Photography tips
Technical settings
- ISO: 1600–3200 for night processions
- Aperture: f/2.8 or wider if possible (low light)
- Shutter speed: Minimum 1/125s to freeze movement
- White balance: 3200K (candlelight) or auto
- Stabilization: Monopod recommended; tripod too cumbersome in crowds
Composition and timing
- Blue hour: Dusk (7–8pm) = best light
- Narrow streets: Wide-angle lens (16–35mm)
- Portraits: Telephoto (70–200mm) to isolate nazarenos
- Architectural context: Frame with the Mezquita in the background
- Patience: Wait for the paso to pass in front of an iconic element
Flash strictly FORBIDDEN during La Madrugada (midnight–5am). Respect the solemnity or risk being called out by locals or police.
Where to stay during Holy Week
Book at least 6 months in advance — prices double during Holy Week and availability is limited, especially in the historic center. Don't leave it late.
Option 1: Historic center (Judería)
Ideal for being at the heart of the action. Everything within walking distance. A uniquely medieval atmosphere.
- • Parador de Córdoba — Luxury, €200–350/night
- • Eurostars Conquistador — Mezquita view, €150–280/night
- • Hacienda Posada de Vallina — Character, €120–200/night
Option 2: Modern center (Tendillas)
10 minutes' walk from the Judería. More restaurant choice. Slightly lower prices.
- • Shops and supermarkets nearby
- • Bars and restaurants open late
- • Less touristy, more authentic local feel
Option 3: Day trip from Seville
AVE train Seville–Córdoba: 45 minutes, €15–35. Last trains back around 10pm.
BUT: You will miss La Madrugada (midnight–5am), which requires an overnight stay. And Seville has its own Holy Week running at the same time.
Transport and parking
Historic center closed to traffic
During processions (5pm–11:30pm), the center is pedestrianized. Cars parked within the perimeter risk being blocked for several hours.
Tip: Park on the outskirts and walk in. Córdoba is small — everything is reachable on foot.
Recommended car parks
- Parking Centro Comercial Arcángel
950 spaces, 15 min walk from the center. Day rate: €8–12 - Parking Plaza de las Tendillas
City center, 10 min from the Mezquita. Rate: €15–20/day (expensive but central) - Parking Estación de Autobuses
Bus station, 20 min walk. Cheaper: €6–10/day
Train from Seville or Madrid
Seville → Córdoba: AVE 45 min, €15–35. Frequent trains until 10pm.
Madrid → Córdoba: AVE 1h45, €40–70. Several departures per day. See the full train guide.
Córdoba-Central station is a 20-minute walk from the center. Taxis available (€8–10).
Etiquette and customs
DO ✓
- ✓ Stay silent and respectful during processions
- ✓ Let locals through who are following "their" brotherhood
- ✓ Listen to the saetas in silence; applaud discreetly afterwards
- ✓ Wait for a procession to pass completely before crossing
- ✓ Dress modestly (avoid very short shorts or sleeveless tops)
- ✓ Arrive early for a good spot (at least 2 hours before)
- ✓ Bring a warm jacket for La Madrugada
AVOID ✗
- ✗ Applauding during La Madrugada (sacrilegious)
- ✗ Using camera flash (especially at night)
- ✗ Touching the pasos, nazarenos, or their tunics
- ✗ Cutting across a procession (wait for it to end)
- ✗ Drinking alcohol visibly in the street
- ✗ Speaking loudly or shouting during the passage
- ✗ Standing under balconies (candle wax drips)
- ✗ Making dismissive comparisons with Seville
Understanding local devotion
For Córdobans, Holy Week is not a spectacle — it is a family expression of faith. Many have followed their neighborhood's brotherhood since childhood, marched as nazarenos, or have family members who are costaleros. If a local corrects you (for silence, not crossing, etc.), they are protecting the solemnity of a sacred moment. Accept it with humility.
Córdoba vs Seville: which Holy Week should you choose?
| Criterion | Córdoba | Seville |
|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | Intimate, reverent, silent | Festive, applause, olés |
| Number of brotherhoods | 40 hermandades | 60+ hermandades |
| Setting | Medieval alleyways + Mezquita | Wide avenues + Cathedral |
| Crowds | Moderate, manageable | Very dense, 1 million visitors |
| Accommodation price | ×2 (€120–250/night) | ×3 or more (€200–400/night) |
| Unique highlight | The silent Madrugada | La Macarena (gypsy fervor) |
| Best for | Authentic spiritual experience | Grand and festive spectacle |
Our take: If you want the most authentic and spiritual experience, choose Córdoba. If you want the grandest and most spectacular event, go to Seville. Both are worth the journey, but Córdoba offers an intimacy and emotional depth that you simply cannot find in Seville.
Complete practical information
Weather and what to wear
Temperatures late March: 15–22°C during the day, 8–12°C at night
Rain risk: Moderate (30%). If it rains, processions are cancelled or postponed (check hermandadesdecordoba.es)
Daytime clothing: Jeans or trousers, shirt or t-shirt, light jacket
Madrugada clothing: Warm jacket, scarf (temperatures can drop to 6°C)
Food and dining
Bars and restaurants: Closed during processions (5pm–11:30pm). Book ahead for lunch or after 11:30pm.
Lenten specialties: Potaje de vigilia (vegetarian stew), bacalao (salt cod), torrijas (honey French toast)
Tip: Have a picnic or eat early (1–3pm) before the processions begin
Real-time information
Official website: hermandadesdecordoba.es
Exact schedules, itineraries, rain cancellations
Mobile app: "Semana Santa Córdoba"
Real-time GPS tracking of processions, notifications, interactive map
Tourist office: turismodecordoba.org
+34 902 201 774
Estimated budget (per person)
Ready to experience Holy Week in Córdoba?
Don't wait to book your accommodation. Availability disappears fast, especially in the historic center.
Explore Córdoba's historic neighborhoods
The processions pass through Córdoba's most beautiful historic neighborhoods. Discover them in detail:
Discover more
Official sources
This guide draws on official and recognised sources to ensure the accuracy of the information provided.
- Ayuntamiento de Córdoba — Semana Santa
Official Córdoba City Council website with the official programme
- Córdoba Tourism Office
Official tourist information on Holy Week in Córdoba
- Spain.info — Semana Santa
Official Spanish tourism guide to Easter traditions
- ElDiario.es — Semana Santa Córdoba
Media coverage and news on the processions