Semana Santa 2025 in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: What to Expect
If you’re in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria this April, you’re in for a truly special experience. Semana Santa (Holy Week) is one of the most important traditions in Spain, and here in the capital of Gran Canaria, it’s a mix of solemn processions, beautiful music, and deep-rooted culture. Whether you’re religious or just curious, it’s a fascinating time to be in the city.
This year, the events will take place from Thursday 10 April to Sunday 20 April. Below, you’ll find the highlights, dates, and routes of the main processions.
Thursday 10 April – The Start of Semana Santa
The official opening of Holy Week begins at 19:30 with a traditional announcement called El Pregón, this year delivered by journalist Santiago García Ramos.
Palm Sunday – 13 April
La Burrita Procession
⏰ 11:00 – 14:00
📍 Starts at Ermita de San Bernardo and San Telmo
This joyful procession celebrates Jesus entering Jerusalem. Expect lots of palm branches and families. It passes through San Telmo Park, Triana, Perdomo, Pérez Galdós, and Buenos Aires before returning.
Jesus of Health & Virgin of Hope
⏰ 19:00 – around midnight
📍 Starts at Parroquia de Santo Domingo de Guzmán
This evening procession goes through the historic centre, including García Tello, Reyes Católicos, Plaza del Pilar Nuevo, and Plaza Santa Ana.
Tuesday 15 April – Procession of Forgiveness & Mercy
⏰ 19:30
📍 Starts at Ermita de San Bernardo and San Telmo
This moving procession visits several key streets including Triana, Travieso, General Bravo, and stops at San Antonio de Padua, before heading back.
Wednesday 16 April – Holy Encounter
⏰ 20:00
📍 Starts at Parroquia de Santo Domingo de Guzmán
This unique event includes different figures like Christ, Mary Magdalene, St. John, and the Virgin of Sorrows coming from separate routes to meet in Plaza de Santa Ana.
Thursday 17 April – Visits & Midnight Vía Crucis
Visit to the Seven Churches
A local tradition of visiting several churches, including San Telmo, San Francisco de Asís, and the Cathedral of Santa Ana.
Midnight Vía Crucis
⏰ 00:00 – 02:30
📍 Starts at Ermita del Espíritu Santo
This night procession walks through peaceful streets like Castillo, San Agustín, and Obispo Codina, ending in Plaza Santa Ana.
Friday 18 April – Good Friday
Mantillas Procession
⏰ 11:00
📍 From the Cathedral of Santa Ana
A short but powerful walk with women wearing traditional black lace veils (mantillas). Followed by the Sermon of the Seven Words.
Magna Interparish Procession
⏰ 18:30
One of the biggest processions. Several parishes bring different figures like Christ Carrying the Cross, Magdalene, Veronica, and the Holy Sepulchre into the streets, filling the old town with emotion and history.
Virgin of Solitude
⏰ 22:30
📍 Starts at San Francisco Parish
A more intimate and reflective procession through streets like Doctor Déniz, Alameda de Colón, and Cano.
Sunday 20 April – Resurrection Sunday
Christ Resurrected
⏰ 11:30 – 13:30
📍 From Santo Domingo de Guzmán
Celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, this is a joyful and hopeful event. The route includes García Tello, Reyes Católicos, and Paseo de San José.
Tips if You Want to Join or Watch
- Most processions happen around Vegueta and Triana, the historic areas of the city.
- Some processions are silent and solemn, others more lively – it’s worth seeing both.
- Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to follow the routes.
- Be respectful – this is a meaningful religious time for many locals.
- Take photos, but be discreet during more serious moments.
Whether you’re watching from a sunny terrace or walking along with the crowd, Semana Santa in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is something special. It’s a mix of culture, tradition, and emotion – and it’s open to everyone.
If you’re part of our Live it up, Las Palmas! community, let us know if you’d like to go see a procession together! Check the #social channel in Slack.
Disclaimer: Dates and routes are subject to change. Please double-check with official local sources before attending.
Special thanks to Jaime Perea from Canarias7 for creating the interactive maps featured in the original article. You can view them here.
