History, origin, and antiquity
The celebration of Holy Week in Badajoz is presented as a captivating fusion of religiosity, history, art, color and austerity, achieving recognition as a “Festival of National Tourist Interest” in 2011. This event goes beyond being simply religious; It is a living testimony of the rich history, exceptional art, palpable devotion and deep-rooted tradition of the city.
With roots dating back to the 16th century, Holy Week in Badajoz has been carried out by more than forty brotherhoods over the years, although currently there are eleven that parade through the picturesque streets of the old town. These brotherhoods, each with its own history, present monuments and works of art in various parts of the city, carrying out this work with the silent collaboration of the costaleros, in charge of carrying the steps.
The celebration begins on Friday of Sorrows and ends on Easter Sunday. Each day is marked by unique and emotional processions, with Holy Thursday being the one of greatest significance, with the departure of the Patroness, the Virgin of Soledad.
Badajoz, with an extensive religious history over the centuries, is reflected in the abundance of churches and convents that characterize it. Some of these buildings survive to this day, while others were destroyed at different times in history. This historical context has been conducive to the flourishing of Holy Week in the city.
Over the centuries, Badajoz has experienced significant historical changes that have unfortunately resulted in the loss of numerous religious documents. This has generated uncertainty about the historical data of the oldest brotherhoods, especially those before the 16th century.
The first brotherhood about which there is enough information for an adequate study is the Brotherhood and Brotherhood of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción, founded in 1344 in the Church of San Andrés. Preserved documents reveal norms of action and behavior for the brothers, being a pioneer in Spain by emphatically celebrating the festival of Our Lady of the Conception. Although the purpose of this brotherhood is not known with certainty, documents from the 17th century mention a congregation with this name.
The 16th century marked the emergence of new brotherhoods, such as that of Santa María, based in the Church of Santa María del Castillo. The Brotherhood of San Nicolás was also founded, characterized by its religious exaltation and its noble charitable objectives, such as the creation of a hospital for the poor and sick.
Over the centuries, various brotherhoods have continued the religious legacy in Badajoz, exceeding 40 groups that have contributed to forging an Holy Week rich in art and stories that are both religious and fundamental to the history of the city.
About Badajoz, its festivals and events
Badajoz, the most populous city in Extremadura, is a meeting point between Spain and Portugal. Located on the oldest border in the world, its cross-border nature is its most prominent feature. A Hispano-Portuguese character can be found in its streets and squares, paved with border-stone.
A border that has marked a city enveloped in countless battles, resulting in an impressive military architecture as a key defensive stronghold in Spain’s history. Thus, Badajoz can boast of having the longest city walls in the country, totaling 6,541 meters of fortifications, including the Arab Alcazaba, the largest in Europe.
Even the Metropolitan Cathedral has the appearance of a fortified temple. Climbing its tower allows one to view the entire city.
Badajoz is also a meeting place for its two shores united by the Guadiana River. Its banks today are a delight to the senses, considered one of the best parks in Spain. Indeed, the Guadiana River as it flows through Badajoz constitutes the only Urban Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA), where one can enjoy more than 135 different bird species.
Badajoz is also known for its festivals, with three of them being of tourist interest. Its Carnival, which holds international recognition, welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors every February, who are only required to don a costume to enjoy the party in the streets.
Holy Week, of National Tourist Interest, winds through the narrow streets of the Historic Center, aweing locals and visitors alike.
Finally, the festival commemorating the city’s foundation, Almossassa Batalyaws, transforms its iconic Plaza Alta each September into a peculiar Arab souk.