Easter is just around the corner and as the spring weather is finally here, it’s the perfect excuse to visit the island. Easter week or Semana Santa in Spain is a very unique experience, one that we definitely recommend! Here’s a few reasons why:
Palm Sunday
Those who have been in Palma this week may have noticed that many flower shops are laden with beautiful designs made out of palm leaf. Locals usually buy these and take them to the first Easter procession, which is held on Palm Sunday to commemorate Jesus arrival in Jerusalem. These palm decorations are then blessed after the procession and taken home to bring a household good luck for the rest of the year.
Easter processions
Despite the very striking resemblance and numerous jokes, the Easter processions have no relation to the KKK. In fact, the capirotes are a very old tradition that reverts all the way back to the times of the Spanish Inquisition. Many of those deemed guilty by the Inquisition were made to walk around town with a cardboard cone over their heads as a symbol of penitence. As penitence is what these processions are all about, this costume was soon adopted by the cofradías or brotherhoods holding the processions and has carried on for centuries.
Most villages in Mallorca hold Easter processions, so it’s fairly easy to find one somewhere. Palma holds one every evening during Easter week but we recommend heading to San Francisco church on Friday at 19.00. The processions starts at 19.30, however, watching them bring these huge awe-inspiring wooden sculptures out of the church is just as fascinating as the procession per se. Processions a very catholic tradition but even the non religious will enjoy it. Watching the intense emotions some of the spectators go through can be a moving experience.
Chocolate
Mallorcans also like to celebrate Easter with chocolate and although they may not celebrate with Cadbury Creme Eggs, their Easter Sunday tradition is not far off the British one. Walking around Palma you’ll soon notice that all bakeries and sweet shops have lots of chocolate figurines on display. These chocolate figurines are called Monas de Pascua and are the perfect souvenir for the kids. The tradition mandates that godparents are to buy one of these for their godchildren every Easter.
Easter food
Mallorcans love their food and therefore any festivity is a good excuse to eat. Easter is no different, so while on island why not try some of these delicacies? Try their panades, the Mallorquín version of a pie. Those with a sweet tooth will love robiols, half moon shaped pastries with a variety of fillings. If neither of these take your fancy then try making crespells traditional Mallorcan biscuits. The kids will have lots of fun making then and you’ll have a nice treat after all that hard work!
For more information on local events and how we can help you organise a stress-free Easter break contact us on info@deliciouslysortedmallorca.com or +34 971 702 749.
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