Property News & Expat Guide for Spain

For homeowners in Spain, improving energy efficiency is more than just a cost-saving measure—it's a long-term investment in comfort, sustainability, and property value. With the country’s wide-ranging climate conditions, from the warm Mediterranean coast to the cooler northern and inland regions, making your home more energy efficient can have immediate and lasting benefits. By reducing energy consumption, you can lower your utility bills, minimise your environmental footprint, and increase the overall comfort of your home.

This guide outlines the key reasons why energy efficiency should be a priority and offers practical steps to improve your property’s performance. Additionally, we explore some of the latest innovations and financial incentives that make energy efficiency upgrades even more appealing for Spanish homeowners.

Why is improving energy efficiency in your Spanish home important?

Improving energy efficiency in your home goes beyond saving money on bills—it's about maximizing comfort, sustainability, and the effectiveness of every energy unit used. An energy-efficient property maintains ideal living conditions, like temperature and lighting, without unnecessary waste. This means lower utility costs, increased comfort, and a reduced environmental footprint, all while optimizing the performance of your home’s systems, appliances, and structural elements (such as insulation and windows).

Energy efficiency plays a critical role in managing living expenses, maintaining a comfortable environment, and contributing to sustainability goals. Here are some of the key reasons why homeowners in Spain should prioritise energy efficiency:

• Lower utility costs: Energy prices in Spain are among the highest in Europe, which makes energy efficiency upgrades particularly valuable. Homes that use less energy for heating, cooling, and other functions see significantly lower monthly bills. For example, in regions with hot summers, where air conditioning is essential, energy-efficient homes can cut electricity bills by 20% or more.
• Increased comfort: An energy-efficient home not only helps maintain consistent temperatures but also provides better indoor air quality. Proper insulation, efficient windows, and well-maintained systems prevent uncomfortable drafts and hot or cold spots, creating a more pleasant living environment year-round.
• Environmental benefits: With a growing global focus on sustainability, improving your home’s energy efficiency is an effective way to reduce your carbon footprint. Spain’s renewable energy goals, such as achieving 42% of energy from renewables by 2030, mean that homeowners can contribute directly to national efforts by making their properties more sustainable.
• Higher property value: Energy-efficient homes are increasingly in demand among property buyers in Spain. Features such as solar panels, advanced insulation, and modern heating systems can add significant value to a home. For those looking to sell or rent out their property, these upgrades make the home more attractive to prospective buyers or tenants who prioritize sustainability and lower operating costs.
• Avoiding costly repairs: Additionally, regular maintenance and upgrades to improve energy efficiency not only enhance comfort but can prevent larger, more expensive repairs. Homes with well-maintained heating systems and proper insulation last longer and require less frequent repairs. Addressing inefficiencies now can save homeowners from costly breakdowns later.

How to improve energy efficiency in your Spanish home

Now, let’s explore practical strategies for improving energy efficiency. These detailed, actionable tips will help boost the energy performance of your Spanish property, maximising comfort while minimising unnecessary energy costs.

1. Start with an energy audit

An energy audit provides a clear overview of your home’s current efficiency and highlights areas where upgrades will be most impactful. In Spain, local authorities and private companies offer professional energy audits that evaluate your home’s:

• Insulation in walls, ceilings, and floors
• Heating and cooling system performance
• Window and door sealing for air leakage
• Appliance and lighting efficiency
• Potential for integrating renewable energy, such as solar power

2. Insulate key areas of your home

Proper insulation is essential to improving energy efficiency in any home. Many Spanish homes, especially older ones, lack sufficient insulation, which leads to higher energy consumption for heating and cooling. Spain’s varied climate, ranging from hot summers in the south to cooler winters in the north, makes insulation a key factor for energy conservation.

When considering insulation, focus on the following areas:

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Spain has become Europe’s top destination for real estate investment in the CBRE European Investor Intentions Survey 2026, overtaking the United Kingdom, Germany and France. The survey, based on responses from nearly 700 investors, places Spain first in Europe for cross-border property capital.

The result marks the culmination of a five-year rise. Spain did not appear in the ranking in 2021, entered in seventh place in 2022, rose to fourth in 2024, climbed to second in 2025 and now takes the top position.

Key findings

The survey highlights several trends shaping investor sentiment across the European property market.

• Spain ranked first among European countries for expected real estate returns in 2026, named by just under half of cross-border investors
• Madrid holds second place among Europe's most attractive cities for investment, retaining its position for the second consecutive year
• Barcelona ranks fourth — making Spain the only country with two cities in the top five, alongside London (1st), Warsaw (3rd) and Milan (5th)
• 89% of surveyed investors expect purchasing activity to increase or remain stable in 2026
• 83% expect sales activity to increase or remain steady, signalling improving alignment between buyers and sellers on pricing
• The residential sector remains the most preferred asset class for the second consecutive year, accounting for 34% of responses

Spain's 2025 investment figures

Total real estate investment in Spain reached €18.4 billion in 2025, representing a 31% year-on-year increase and the highest volume since 2018, exceeding the European average growth rate. Madrid and Barcelona together accounted for 58% of the total investment volume, reflecting strong demand from institutional investors as well as high-spending property buyers.

Read more at thinkSPAIN.com

If you are considering buying a property in Spain, understanding how the tax system compares to Germany is one of the most practical steps you can take. Some taxes work in a similar way in both countries; others are structured quite differently, and knowing where the key differences lie will help you plan your budget with confidence.

This article covers the main taxes you will encounter as a property owner in Spain — when buying, when selling, on an ongoing annual basis, and on inheritance — with a clear comparison to the equivalent German rules at each stage.

Taxes when buying a property

In Germany, the main purchase tax is the Grunderwerbsteuer, which varies by federal state — from 3.5% in Bavaria to 6.5% in states such as North Rhine-Westphalia, Brandenburg, and Schleswig-Holstein. Notary and land registry fees add a further 1.5% to 2%. Since 2020, estate agent fees are split equally between buyer and seller by law.

In Spain, what you pay depends on whether the property is new or second-hand — a distinction that does not exist in the same way in Germany:

• For a resale property, you pay ITP (Impuesto sobre Transmisiones Patrimoniales), Spain's equivalent of the Grunderwerbsteuer. Rates range from 6% in Madrid to 7% in Andalucía and 7.75% in Murcia. Cataluña applies a progressive scale: 10% up to €600,000, 11% from €600,001 to €900,000, 12% from €900,001 to €1,500,000, and 13% above that — making it one of the most expensive regions for resale purchases. The Valencian Community applies 10% as its standard rate, though this is set to reduce to 9% for properties under €1 million from June 2026.
• For a new-build property, ITP does not apply; instead you pay IVA (VAT) at 10% of the purchase price, plus AJD (stamp duty) of between 0.5% and 1.5% depending on the region. Unlike Germany, agent fees in Spain are typically paid by the seller, though buyers should always confirm this in their purchase agreement.

Total purchase costs in Spain — including notary and land registry fees — typically add 10% to 13% on top of the purchase price for resale properties, and 12% to 15% for new builds. Our guide to taxes when buying a property in Spain covers each of these in full detail.

A worked example: €300,000 purchase

To make the comparison concrete, consider a €300,000 property purchase.

Resale property:

• Bavaria (resale): Grunderwerbsteuer at 3.5% = €10,500, plus notary and registry fees of approximately €5,000. Total additional costs: approximately €15,500, or around 5.2% of the purchase price.
• Andalucía (resale): ITP at 7% = €21,000, plus notary and registry fees of approximately €3,500. Total additional costs: approximately €24,500, or around 8.2% of the purchase price.

New build:

• Bavaria (new build): The same Grunderwerbsteuer of 3.5% applies = €10,500, plus notary and registry fees of approximately €5,000. Unlike Spain, Germany does not apply VAT to residential new-build purchases by private buyers. Total additional costs: approximately €15,500, or around 5.2% of the purchase price — identical to a resale purchase.
• Spain (new build): IVA at 10% = €30,000, plus AJD at 1.2% = €3,600, plus notary and registry fees of approximately €3,500. Total additional costs: approximately €37,100, or around 12.4% of the purchase price.

The comparison illustrates two important points. First, in Germany the tax cost of buying is the same whether the property is new or second-hand — the Grunderwerbsteuer applies equally to both. In Spain, the new-build route carries a significantly higher upfront tax burden, which is one of the most important distinctions for German buyers to understand. Second, even a resale purchase in Andalucía costs notably more in tax than the equivalent purchase in Bavaria, though the gap is manageable with careful budgeting.

Annual property taxes

In Germany, the annual Grundsteuer is a local levy calculated using the assessed property value, a federal rate, and a local municipal multiplier. Following the 2025 reform, values have been updated to reflect current market levels. In practice, annual amounts are very low — almost symbolic in many cases — with a typical Berlin apartment generating a bill of around €80 to €150 per year.

In Spain, the equivalent is IBI (Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles), also a municipal tax based on the cadastral value of the property rather than the market value. IBI rates typically range from 0.4% to 1.1% of the cadastral value. Bills are broadly comparable in many cases, though Spain shows greater variation and can be noticeably higher in prime locations such as Marbella or Ibiza. Full details on how IBI is calculated and when it falls due are in our guide to IBI property tax in Spain.

One important difference for non-resident owners is Spain's imputed income tax on unrented properties, filed via Modelo 210. If you own a property in Spain and do not rent it out, you are still required to pay a modest annual tax calculated on a percentage of the cadastral value. Germany has no equivalent to this obligation, and it catches many foreign buyers by surprise.

Taxes when selling a property

Both countries tax capital gains on property, but the rules differ in important ways:

Read more at thinkSPAIN.com

Spain's residential property market maintained strong upward momentum in the first quarter of 2026, with house prices rising 14.3% year-on-year, according to the latest IMIE Mercados Locales report from Tinsa by Accumin. In real terms, once inflation is accounted for, the increase stands at 11.8% — up from 10.7% the previous quarter — with the average price now sitting at approximately €1,987/m².

The quarterly rate also accelerated, with prices rising 3.2% between January and March compared to the final quarter of 2025, reinforcing the market’s continued growth trajectory. Since the market's lowest point in the summer of 2015, house prices have risen by 68%, though they remain 4.5% below the peak values recorded at the height of the 2007 property boom.

Which regions recorded the sharpest increases

Price growth was broad-based but uneven, with the strongest pressure concentrated in economically active regions and high-demand coastal markets. According to the Tinsa report, of the 19 autonomous communities and autonomous cities, 14 recorded year-on-year nominal increases above 10%, compared with 11 the previous quarter. The regions with the highest growth were:

• Comunidad de Madrid: +19.2%
• Comunidad Valenciana: +19.1%
• Castilla-La Mancha: +18.8%
• Canary Islands: +17.8%
• Cantabria: +16.2%
• Región de Murcia: +16%
• Balearic Islands: +15.5%

At the other end of the scale, Extremadura, Ceuta, La Rioja, and Melilla recorded annual growth below 8%.

Four regions have now surpassed their own price peaks from the 2007 boom in nominal terms: the Balearic Islands, the Comunidad de Madrid, Melilla, and — for the first time this quarter — the Canary Islands. At a provincial level, price increases intensified in 40 of Spain's 52 provinces, with the sharpest rises concentrated in Madrid and surrounding areas, the islands, the Mediterranean coast, and the Cantabrian coast.

How affordability is holding up

The national average affordability ratio —  

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The Spanish government has officially greenlit a massive €7 billion housing initiative, the largest in the country's recent history. Aimed at curbing soaring rents and tackling a national housing deficit of nearly 800,000 homes, the State Housing Plan 2026-2030 is set to reshape the landscape of the Spanish property market.

For the Eye on Spain community—whether you are a long-term resident, a landlord, or someone looking to buy your first retirement home—this news brings both opportunities and new regulatory hurdles to navigate.

The Headlines: Where is the money going?

The plan, approved by the Council of Ministers, triples the investment of previous years. The focus is clear: moving away from the "free market" towards a more regulated, social-first model.

• Public Housing Stock: 40% of the funds are dedicated to building new public housing or acquiring existing properties to be held permanently as social housing.

• Renovation Grants: 30% of the budget is earmarked for energy efficiency and accessibility upgrades. For property owners, there are potential subsidies of up to €20,500 for retrofitting older homes

• Youth & Rural Support: Grants of up to €15,000 for buyers under 35 in smaller towns and a monthly €300 "Youth Rent Bonus" are designed to help the younger generation get onto the ladder.

Why this matters for Foreign Buyers and Renters

While the plan primarily targets Spanish residents, the "ripple effects" will be felt across the expat hotspots in the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, and major cities.

1. The "Stressed Zone" Expansion The plan strengthens the power of regional governments to declare "Tense Market Zones" (zonas tensionadas). In these areas, rent increases are strictly capped, and new rental contracts cannot exceed the price paid by the previous tenant. If you are renting out a property in a popular coastal town, you need to check if your municipality is moving towards this designation.

2. A New Era for Landlords The 2026 guidelines formalise several shifts in financial responsibility. Landlords are now legally required to pay the estate agency fees for finding tenants, and it is increasingly difficult to pass on the IBI (Property Tax) to the renter. For those who rely on rental income to cover their Spanish mortgage, these "hidden" costs need to be factored into your 2026 budget.

3. The Empty Property Surcharge One of the more controversial aspects of the broader housing strategy is the IBI surcharge on empty homes. Properties that remain vacant for more than two years (and where the owner has multiple properties) could face higher tax rates. For "snowbirds" who leave their Spanish villas empty for half the year, keeping a close eye on local town hall definitions of "empty" is essential.

4. Transparency through the Public Price Database In a move to "break the monopoly" of private property portals, the government is launching an official public price database. This is great news for foreign buyers. For the first time, you will have access to a neutral benchmark of actual transaction prices rather than just the "optimistic" asking prices found on websites.

The EOS Verdict: Opportunity or Over-regulation?

The €7 billion plan is a double-edged sword. On one hand, the subsidies for energy renovation are a fantastic opportunity for those looking to modernise older villas. On the other, the tightening of rental laws and the introduction of "national priority" clauses in some regions (like Extremadura) suggest a market that is becoming more complex for international investors.

If you are currently looking at a "fixer-upper" in a rural village or a historic centre, you could be eligible for extra grants of up to €30,000 to help with the restoration.

Are you planning to apply for a renovation grant, or are you worried about the new rent caps in your area? Join the discussion on the Eye on Spain forums.

International buyers remain a highly attractive audience in Spain’s property market. Not only do they account for 1 in 5 transactions and spend over 30% more per m², but most are also cash-ready. This gives estate agents a clear advantage, increasing the likelihood of deals being closed and enabling higher-value sales.

International buyers bring cash and certainty to the Spanish property market

International buyers account for 20% of property transactions in Spain, rising to up to 50% in key areas such as the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and the islands, highlighting their strong influence in high-demand markets.

On thinkSPAIN, this demand is even more pronounced, with international buyers making up 85% of our audience, most purchasing from abroad and around 1 in 5 already living in Spain.

Crucially, 70% of these buyers plan to fund their purchase in full without a mortgage. By comparison, only 40% of domestic buyers intend to pay cash. (thinkSPAIN property search, finance and currency survey 2026).

This gap highlights a clear advantage for estate agents. With a higher share of cash-ready buyers, international demand brings:

• Less reliance on financing, with fewer mortgage-dependent deals.
• Greater certainty once a property is chosen, improving lead quality.
• Stronger potential for higher-value sales, as cash-ready buyers face fewer financing constraints.

Alongside strong and sustained demand, international buyers are also better positioned to complete transactions. As a result, they represent more reliable, higher-quality leads for estate agents selling Spanish property.

Cash buyers dominate across key international buyer profiles

International buyers are largely motivated by lifestyle rather than necessity. Many are relocating, purchasing holiday homes or planning retirement, often using existing equity or savings. This reduces their reliance on mortgage financing and its associated constraints, increasing the likelihood of paying in full.

• Foreign non-residents are the largest audience on our property portal and a key driver of high-value transactions. As shown on the graphic below, over half of them are relocating for retirement, a third are seeking a holiday home, and 15% are moving for work, family or lifestyle reasons.
• This trend varies slightly among foreign resident buyers, with an even split between retirement and relocation motives, and very limited demand for holiday homes as they already live in Spain.
• Searching for investment properties remains a smaller motive across both segments.

These profiles underpin the high share of cash purchases. International buyers make planned moves, typically later in life, with greater equity, fewer financing needs and prior property experience in their home countries. For estate agents, this translates into more financially prepared clients, leading to higher completion rates.

Mortgage buyers rely on agents for guidance and trust

While most international buyers are cash-ready, a smaller, but equally important segment still requires financing. Around 10% will need a mortgage, while a further 20% are undecided.

Among this segment, 80% are open to arranging a mortgage through a Spanish broker or lender, and over two thirds want guidance and recommendations from the estate agent. This creates a clear opportunity to build trust throughout the purchase process and drive conversions.

Read more at thinkSPAIN.com

Settling into a new property in Spain means adjusting to a beautifully different rhythm of life. However, for many newly arrived buyers, renters, and tourists, their first Spanish weekend brings a sudden and quiet realisation: the bustling streets have emptied, the shutters are down, and the local shops are firmly locked.

If you have ever found yourself staring at a dark supermarket entrance on a Sunday afternoon, wondering how you are going to stock the fridge for the week, you are not alone. Here is your guide to navigating Spain’s Sunday closures, understanding the local laws, and making the most of your weekends.

Why is everything closed on a Sunday in Spain?

The Sunday shutdown is deeply woven into the cultural and social fabric of Spain. Traditionally rooted in Catholic observance, the day of rest has evolved into a fiercely protected societal norm focused on family, leisure, and work-life balance.

Rather than viewing Sunday as a day for running errands, Spanish culture treats it as a designated pause. Furthermore, the closure is structurally designed to protect small, independent business owners. By preventing massive retail conglomerates from operating seven days a week, local family-run shops aren't forced into an unsustainable rat race of extended working hours just to stay competitive. For expats, Sundays become a day to be enjoyed with friends and loved one's, an opportunity to discover the real Spain.

What are the Sunday trading laws in Spain?

Spain’s Sunday trading laws are strictly regulated, though they operate on a complex mix of national frameworks and regional autonomy.

As a general baseline, the national law on opening hours mandates that large retail outlets and shopping centres remain closed on Sundays and public holidays. However, the exact number of permitted Sunday openings (usually between 10 and 16 days a year, typically around the Christmas period and sales seasons) is determined by regional governments.

There are two major exceptions to this rule:

• Size matters: Small commercial premises (typically under 300 square meters) have full freedom in their opening hours.
• Tourist Zones (ZGAT): Areas designated as "Zones of Great Tourist Influx" are granted special exemptions. Cities like Madrid have highly liberalised trading laws, while coastal hotspots like Marbella, Denia, and the wider Costa del Sol permit large stores to open on Sundays during the peak summer months and Easter holidays.

Are supermarkets closed on Sundays in Spain?

For the most part, yes. If you are planning to do your weekly grocery shop at a large chain, Sunday is not the day to do it.

However, there is nuance depending on the season and the size of the store:

• The giants (Mercadona, Carrefour, Lidl): These will generally be closed on Sundays from autumn through spring. During summer months (late June to September), chains like Mercadona adapt to the tourist influx by opening in designated coastal towns, usually on a reduced schedule from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
• Convenience stores: Smaller express supermarkets (such as Carrefour Express, Supercor, or independent alimentación shops) fall under the 300-square-meter rule and are legally permitted to remain open all day on Sundays.

Are things open in Spain on Sunday?

While retail takes a backseat, hospitality and culture step into the spotlight. You will never be left completely stranded on a Sunday. Here is a quick breakdown of what to expect:

When you are looking to buy or rent a property in Spain, working with a Spanish estate agent can streamline the process. Whether you are a first-time buyer looking to purchase, a foreign investor, or a tenant seeking a new home, real estate agents offer critical support in navigating the Spanish real estate market. This guide explores everything you need to know about working with Spanish estate agents, from understanding their role and fees, to knowing your legal rights.

Understanding the role of estate agents in Spain

Spanish estate agents facilitate property transactions, often acting as intermediaries between buyers and sellers or landlords and tenants. Their responsibilities vary depending on the client's role in the transaction. Below is a breakdown of their duties:

How do estate agents help buyers and tenants?

• Identifying properties based on preferences and budget: Agents help buyers and tenants find properties that match their needs and budget by leveraging their knowledge of the local market.
• Managing paperwork and legal compliance: Agents handle contracts such as purchase agreements or rental contracts, ensuring they comply with Spanish real estate regulations.
• Facilitating negotiations: Agents mediate negotiations to help buyers and tenants secure the best possible terms on price, repairs, lease terms, or additional costs.
• Providing market insights and property valuations: Agents advise buyers on the best times to buy based on market trends and property valuations. For tenants, agents provide insights into rental prices and help them choose the right neighbourhoods.
• Post-transaction services: Agents can assist buyers and tenants with setting up utilities, managing property taxes, or even helping with renovations after a purchase or rental.

What services do estate agents offer sellers in Spain?

• Identifying potential buyers and marketing properties: Agents market the property and find buyers who match the seller’s price expectations.
• Handling paperwork and legal compliance: Agents draft and ensure sales contracts meet legal requirements, guiding sellers through the process.
• Facilitating negotiations: Agents help sellers negotiate the best price for their property.
• Providing market insights and property valuations: Agents help sellers determine a competitive price for their property based on current market conditions.
• Post-sale services: Some agents continue to assist sellers with paperwork and tax matters after the sale is completed.

What are the differences between estate agents in Spain and other countries?

For non-Spanish buyers, estate agents play a critical role in helping navigate the local legal system. For instance, they provide essential assistance with NIE registration (a tax identification number needed for any legal transaction), understanding local taxes, and managing paperwork. Their local knowledge can also guide buyers towards the best property investments or residential areas.

Compared to other European countries, Spanish estate agents operate under a more flexible regulatory environment, and there are several key differences in their role.

Ask anyone who has moved to Spain and one word comes up quickly: trámites — paperwork. Spain has a reputation for administrative complexity, and in many cases it is justified. A 2025 Bureaucracy Index developed by the Fundación Internacional para la Libertad found that Spanish businesses spend an average of 53 working days per year on administrative tasks alone. For individuals relocating from abroad, the experience can feel similar.

The reassuring reality is that the system is navigable. Once you understand how it is structured and which documents you need, the process becomes far more manageable. We have been helping people find their ideal property in Spain for over 20 years, and preparation — more than anything else — determines how smoothly things go.

Why does Spanish bureaucracy feel so complex?

Two things drive most of the complexity. First, Spain's decentralised structure means that 17 autonomous communities, 50 provinces, and thousands of individual town halls each manage their own procedures. A task that takes one week in Valencia may take three in a different region. Second, Spain has a long tradition of procedural formality — an emphasis on official documentation and verified records that predates the digital age. Once you accept that logic rather than resist it, the system becomes significantly easier to work with.

Not all regions are equally digitalised, and some town halls still require in-person appointments. Knowing this before you arrive means you can plan accordingly rather than be caught off guard.

Making the most of Spain's digital administration

The single most practical step you can take before tackling any Spanish paperwork is obtaining a digital certificate (certificado digital). With one, you can submit visa and residency renewals, access your social security and tax records, request official documents, and communicate with government agencies — all without visiting an office. For residents managing multiple administrative tasks, it saves a considerable amount of time.

Read more at thinkSPAIN.com

Spain’s Semana Santa (Holy Week) is not merely a holiday; it is a profound cultural immersion, an open-air museum of 16th-century artistry, and a visceral display of emotion. Far removed from the chocolate eggs and Easter bunnies prevalent in much of Northern Europe and the Americas, the Spanish observance is a deeply sensory spectacle. It is the scent of burning incense and orange blossoms in the spring air, the rhythmic pounding of a solitary drum, the collective gasp of a crowd as a massive golden float navigates a narrow medieval corner, and the heartbreaking wail of a solitary flamenco prayer piercing the night.

This year, Semana Santa runs from Sunday, March 29th (Palm Sunday) to Sunday, April 5th (Easter Sunday).

To help you understand the depth of this festival, here is your definitive guide to Spain’s Holy Week traditions, typical gastronomy, and the most pivotal cities to witness the processions in 2026.

The architecture of a procession: Traditions, brotherhoods, and vestments

To the uninitiated, the visual elements of a Spanish Holy Week procession can be surprising, mysterious, and occasionally overwhelming. Understanding the mechanics and the history behind the spectacle transforms the experience from a mere parade into a moving piece of living history.

Hermandades and cofradías

The backbone of Semana Santa is the brotherhood (hermandad or cofradía). Some of these organisations date back to the 13th and 14th centuries. Historically formed as mutual aid societies for specific trades (such as bakers, sailors, or silversmiths), they are deeply embedded community groups. Members dedicate the entire year to preparing for their specific procession, maintaining the floats, and organising charitable works.

Los pasos and tronos (The floats)

At the centre of every procession is the paso (in Andalusia) or trono (in Malaga). These are monumental, intricately carved wooden floats depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ or the sorrow of the Virgin Mary.

• The artistry: Many of the statues carried atop these floats were carved by masters of the Spanish Renaissance and Baroque periods, such as Juan de Mesa, Pedro de Mena, and Francisco Salzillo. They are priceless works of art, temporarily brought out of the basilicas to walk among the people.
• The ornamentation: The floats are heavily adorned with silver, gold leaf, and thousands of fresh flowers—typically red carnations for Christ (symbolising blood and passion) and white roses or orchids for the Virgin Mary (symbolising purity). Hundreds of thick wax candles illuminate the statues as night falls.

Costaleros and the capataz

A paso does not roll on wheels; it is carried by human devotion. The costaleros are the men (and increasingly women) who bear the immense weight of the floats, which can exceed a metric ton.

• They carry the structure on their shoulders or the backs of their necks, often hidden entirely beneath the drapery of the float.
• They wear a faja (a tight, wide belt) to protect their lower backs and a costal (a padded cloth headdress) to cushion the weight.
• Because they cannot see outside, they are guided by the capataz (the overseer), who uses a llamador—an ornate metal knocker on the front of the float—to signal when the costaleros should lift, step, or halt. Their synchronised, rhythmic swaying to the beat of a marching band is known as giving the float "life," making the statues appear to walk.

Nazarenos and penitentes

Marching ahead of the floats are the nazarenos (penitents), creating one of the most striking visual images of Semana Santa.

• The capirote: They wear long cloaks and the iconic capirote—a tall, conical hood that covers the face, leaving only two holes for the eyes.
• Historical context: It is vital to note that this vestment originated during the Spanish Inquisition as a symbol of anonymous penance. The cone shape symbolically points the wearer towards heaven to ask for forgiveness. It is a strictly religious Spanish tradition that predates and has absolutely no association with hate groups in the United States.
• Penitence: Some participants take their penance incredibly seriously, walking the multi-hour routes entirely barefoot, carrying heavy wooden crosses, or even dragging iron chains attached to their ankles in the silence of the night.

The soundscape: Saetas and marches

A procession is defined as much by its sound as its sight. Behind the floats march massive brass and drum bands (cornetas y tambores). They play specific, slow, and dramatic marches that dictate the pace of the costaleros. Occasionally, the entire procession will come to a dead halt. From a dark balcony above, a singer will break into a saeta—a spontaneous, heartbreaking, a cappella flamenco prayer sung directly to the statue. The crowd remains in absolute, pin-drop silence until the song concludes, erupting into applause as the float moves on.

Semana Santa gastronomy: What foods are eaten during Holy Week in Spain?

Because Catholic fasting traditions restrict meat during Lent, Spanish Holy Week cuisine pivots to rich vegetarian dishes, hearty seafood, and energy-dense sweets designed to sustain the penitents.

Traditional Easter food in Spain

• Potaje de vigilia: The ultimate Good Friday "vigil stew," made with slow-cooked chickpeas, fresh spinach, and chunks of salt cod.
• Bacalao (Salt cod): The staple protein of the season, widely enjoyed as crispy croquettes (croquetas de bacalao) in local tapas bars or stewed in rich tomato sauces.
• Tortilla de patatas: In central Castile and León, families gather outdoors on Jueves de Tortilla (Tortilla Thursday) to share classic Spanish omelettes before Good Friday's solemnity sets in.
• Empanada gallega: Galicia's portable double-crusted pies, heavily favoured during Lent when stuffed with a rich sofrito and local tuna or codfish.
• Morteruelo: A rare meaty exception found in Cuenca. Eaten as an aperitif, this rich, pâté-like stew is made from local game meats, breadcrumbs, and regional spices.

Spanish Holy Week sweets

• Torrijas: Spain's absolute favourite Easter sweet. Thick slices of day-old bread are soaked in lemon-infused milk or sweet wine, fried in virgin olive oil, and coated in cinnamon sugar or local honey.
• Rosquillas: Popular in Andalusia, these crispy, ring-shaped fried dumplings are dusted in sugar and dipped in honey, providing a massive sugar rush for procession marchers.
• Mazapán: In Toledo, marzipan is a spring staple. Intricate animal and religious figures are expertly crafted from equal parts ground almonds and sugar.
• Mona de Pascua: The star of Easter Sunday in Catalonia and the Valencian coast. Traditionally, a sweet brioche cake topped with hard-boiled eggs, modern versions feature elaborate chocolate sculptures gifted by godparents.
• Fartons and horchata: In Valencia and Elche, warm procession-watchers cool down by dunking sweet, spongy fartons (breadsticks) into ice-cold horchata (a milky beverage made from crushed tiger nuts).

Key dates for Semana Santa in Spain (2026)

This year, Semana Santa runs from Sunday, March 29th (Palm Sunday) to Sunday, April 5th (Easter Sunday)...

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