The province of Zaragoza transforms during Holy Week into a vibrant mosaic of devotion, heritage, and ancestral traditions. Beyond the urban splendor of the capital—declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest—numerous municipalities keep alive processions, brotherhoods, and liturgical acts steeped in centuries of history. In 2025, Fuentes de Ebro was added to this select list when it was declared a Festival of Tourist Interest in Aragón, joining eleven other Zaragoza municipalities with this recognition: Alagón, Ateca, Ariza, Calatayud, Caspe, Ejea de los Caballeros, Pinseque, Tarazona, Tauste, Torrijo de la Cañada, and Used.
Zaragoza: the capital of Passion
The Holy Week in Zaragoza is a national reference. With over 40 brotherhoods and fraternities, its processions traverse the historic center from Good Friday to Easter Sunday. The Procession of the Holy Burial (Good Friday), the longest and oldest in Spain, and the Procession of the Encounter or of Silence stand out. The Baroque and Renaissance steps, many created by artists such as Gregorio Fernández or the Hermanos Giral, combine with the fervor of thousands of hooded brotherhood members. The routes through the Basilica del Pilar, the Seo, or the Church of San Pablo are unmissable. In the days leading up to the event, the Cofrade Route allows visitors to tour temples and see the steps up close.
Fuentes de Ebro: the new member of the honor club
This year, Fuentes de Ebro (just 25 km from Zaragoza) celebrates its Holy Week with the official seal of a Festival of Tourist Interest in Aragón. Its processional roots go back to the 15th century, although the current organization dates from 1950. Five brotherhoods (San Antón, El Nazareno, Cristo Crucificado, La Dolorosa, and Santo Entierro) bring together nearly 1,000 members who take to the streets with steps of great artistic value. Among the most emotional events are the proclamation (with the presentation of the “Tambor de Oro”), the procession of the Three Falls, or the Holy Burial procession. The recognition values the beauty of its processions, the joint effort of the Brotherhood Council, the Parish, Territorio Mudéjar, and the Town Hall, and its uniqueness within Aragonese heritage.
Alagón: tradition since the 13th century
In Alagón, eight brotherhoods maintain a tradition of over four centuries. Their processions are notable for the shoulder-borne steps and events such as the Way of the Cross of Silence or the Encounter at the Plaza de España. The atmosphere is solemn and highly participatory.
Ateca: the most theatrical procession
Ateca offers one of the most unique representations: the Holy Burial procession (Good Friday) includes 40 living biblical scenes and historical steps, such as “The Death” (from 1661), a female skeleton that presides over the procession. It is a unique blend of devotion and popular theater.
Calatayud: steps and biblical characters
In Calatayud, the Holy Burial procession (with roots in the 15th century) brings together 24 steps and over 300 characterized figures. The nocturnal processions through the Mudéjar historic center are impressive.
Caspe: Castilian sobriety
Caspe stands out for its sober style, similar to that of Castile and León. On Good Friday, nine brotherhoods participate in processions focused on the Vera Cruz and introspection.
Ejea de los Caballeros: fervor and antiquity
Since the 16th century, Ejea has celebrated its Holy Week with over 1,600 brotherhood members. The procession of the Holy Bed and the proclamation are peak moments.
Pinseque: theatrical Passion
In Pinseque, the Passion is represented theatrically, with halberdiers guarding the Christ Yacente. It is an immersive and emotional experience.
Tarazona: under the Moncayo
Tarazona boasts a Holy Week with a dozen steps and ten brotherhoods. The “halberdiers,” “ensacados,” and “carrapuchetes” parade through medieval streets with the Moncayo in the background. Its declaration as a Festival of Tourist Interest dates back to 2005.
Tauste: since 1589
Tauste preserves processions such as that of the Seven Sorrows or the Holy Burial, with significant popular participation since the late 16th century.
Torrijo de la Cañada and Used: drama and recovery
Torrijo de la Cañada combines the Way of the Cross with living representations of the Crucifixion. Used, revived in 2007 and declared in 2017, includes Roman soldiers and biblical characters in its acts.
Ariza: the Descent of the Angel
In Ariza, the Descent of the Angel (since 1902) is unique in Aragón for its unpublished verse recited by the angel who frees the Virgin.
These twelve municipalities—with Fuentes de Ebro as the most recent addition—demonstrate the diverse richness of Holy Week in the province of Zaragoza. Each contributes its nuance: silence, distant drums, Baroque steps, living representations, or crowded encounters. Visiting them during this time allows one to discover not only Aragonese faith but also its Mudéjar, Renaissance, and natural heritage, from the banks of the Ebro River to the slopes of the Moncayo.
If you seek an authentic experience, plan your route: combine the intensity of Zaragoza with the intimacy of these towns. Aragón, during Holy Week, beats to the rhythm of tradition.
