Viviendo la Semana Santa en pueblos de Madrid de forma única

Semana Santa in Chinchón, Alcalá de Henares, or Aranjuez is undoubtedly among the most popular in the Community of Madrid, due to the beauty and history of their processions and living passions.

However, there are other towns in Madrid that, despite not being as famous, enjoy a deeply traditional Semana Santa. Today we bring you some suggestions on where to experience these days of reflection in a unique way.

Colmenar de Oreja

Located 60 kilometers from Madrid, in the southeast of the region, is Colmenar de Oreja, a charming town marked by its quarrying tradition.

Its Semana Santa begins with the Mass and the Silence procession at 11:30 p.m., although hours earlier, at 6:00 p.m., the Last Supper reenactment takes place.

On Good Friday, there will be a Via Crucis at 11:00 a.m., the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion at 5:00 p.m., and the Burial procession at 8:00 p.m.

For Holy Saturday, two solemn Easter vigils are scheduled: one organized by the Augustinians (8:00 p.m.) and another by the parish (12:00 p.m.). On Easter Sunday, the traditional Encounter procession will take place at 11:00 a.m. in the town’s main square.

Attending some of these processions is the perfect excuse to taste some of their typical desserts, such as «pelotas de fraile,» as well as enjoy some of their most emblematic sites: the Zacatín Bridge and Gardens, the Barranco Fountain, or the quarries.

Villarejo de Salvanés

Its living passion play is one of the most renowned in the Community of Madrid. In fact, it is designated as a Regional Tourist Attraction. However, the medieval atmosphere of the town makes its processions particularly magical.

On Maundy Thursday, at 6:00 p.m., the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper will take place at the parish. Following this, there will be a procession and a reenactment of the living passion, which this year, on its 45th anniversary, promises to surprise both visitors and the locals.

From 5:00 a.m. on Good Friday, religious events begin in the town. The first procession of the day is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., but just before, at 5:00 p.m., the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion will take place. The final event of the day will be the Silent Procession at 10:00 p.m.

On Holy Saturday, a day of reflection, a solemn Easter vigil will be held at 11:00 p.m., while the Resurrection of Jesus Christ will be celebrated on Sunday with a solemn Resurrection Mass at 12:00 p.m.

The living passion play, along with the processions, blends with the medieval architecture that decorates the town. So, if you decide to visit during Holy Week, it becomes the perfect opportunity to explore its streets, its history, and its heritage.

San Martín de Valdeiglesias

Holy Week is one of the most important events for the inhabitants of this medieval village located next to the San Juan reservoir.

The events start on Maundy Thursday with the Men’s Mass at 8:00 p.m. Three hours later, at 11:00 p.m., the procession of the Holy Christ of Humility is celebrated.

On Good Friday, various events are scheduled, including the Holy Mass and later, the procession of the Lord’s Passion at 7:00 p.m.

Good Friday is commemorated with the services at 7:00 p.m., followed by the emotional Silent Procession at 11:00 p.m. At the same time, on Holy Saturday, the Encounter Procession is scheduled.

A few meters from the Plaza Real, where most of the processions begin and end, you will find Hacienda La Carrocera, a restaurant where you can taste some of the local dishes.

Additionally, during your visit, you can enjoy other charms such as the impressive Coracera Castle, the magical Enchanted Forest, or the numerous medieval hermitages that enrich the heritage of San Martín de Valdeiglesias.

Cadalso de los Vidrios

Bordering Ávila and Toledo is Cadalso de los Vidrios, a town with cobbled streets, a Gothic-style church, and the mountainous landscape that surrounds it, making its processions uniquely charming.

Although its first procession is scheduled for Maundy Thursday, its inhabitants have been preparing for the vigils with great devotion.

On April 17th, the day begins with the Solemn Lauds at 10:00 a.m. In the afternoon, there will be the foot washing ceremony at 7:00 p.m., community Holy Hour at 8:00 p.m., and at 9:00 p.m., the first procession.

For Good Friday, another Solemn Lauds is planned at 11:00 a.m., followed by a Via Crucis at 12:00 p.m. In the afternoon, the events continue with the Meditation of the Seven Words at the Humilladero Christ (3:00 p.m.), the celebration of the Passion (7:00 p.m.), and the Silent Procession (10:00 p.m.).

On Holy Saturday, also known in the town as the Day of Spiritual Silence, begins with Solemn Lauds at 10:00 a.m. and ends with the Easter Vigil at 11:00 p.m. Easter Sunday is celebrated with a single Solemn Mass at 12:00 p.m.

Located about 80 kilometers from Madrid, Cadalso de los Vidrios is a perfect rural getaway to enjoy Holy Week and take the opportunity to visit some of its most emblematic buildings, such as the Marqués de Villena Palace, its 19th-century Bullring, or the old washhouse.