18 Mar Holy Week 2024 in Madrid: Must-do’s in Madrid

Posted at 11:03h in Uncategorized by chloeok

Looking for the perfect destination to enjoy Holy Week 2024?

CoolRooms Hotels, which has hotels in historical, urban and natural environments, offers alternatives for Holy Week, adapted to all your needs.

Every year, between March and April, Holy Week, one of the most traditional festivities in our country, is celebrated with great emotion. During these days, Spain is transformed. You will discover images of great artistic richness walking the streets by candlelight, among the colors of the flowers, the art of religious sculptures and the sound of the music of the drums.

At CoolRooms Palacio de Atocha, strategically located in the heart of the capital, we offer you the ideal accommodation to make the most of everything that Madrid has prepared during these special days. Discover below the 6 unmissable plans that will turn your Holy Week into an unforgettable experience.

1. Processions and religious traditions

During Holy Week, sacred images, usually housed in the various basilicas and churches, come to life in impressive processions. Adorned with candles, flowers and embroidered cloaks, these religious representations parade through iconic places such as Paseo del Prado, Alcalá Street and Plaza Mayor. Accompanied by nazarenos and carried by costaleros from various brotherhoods, the processions offer a visual and spiritual spectacle.

The processions begin on Friday of Sorrows (March 22) with significant events such as the processions of the Cristo del Pozo and Nuestra Señora de los Dolores, along with the procession of the Cristo del Perdón. Palm Sunday (March 24) and Holy Wednesday (March 27) offer outstanding processions such as Nuestro Padre Jesús del Amor (La Borriquita), the procession of Silencio, the procession of the Santísimo Cristo de la Fe y el Perdón, and the procession of Los Estudiantes. Holy Wednesday culminates with the imposing procession of Nuestro Padre Jesús de la Salud y María Santísima de las Antiguas (Los Gitanos).

For more information about the processions, check the complete program in this link.

Nazarenos

2. Organ music, Mozart’s Requiem, “saetas” and the Tamborrada

Holy Week in Madrid is usually welcomed with sacred music. Places like the Basilica of Our Lady of Atocha, the Parish of Santa Cruz or the Pontifical Basilica of San Miguel offer the cycle of Sacred Music, with 11 moving concerts with free admission until full capacity is reached.

The vibrant musical program extends throughout the week, including the traditional Cycle of Organ Music in the church of San Ginés (Arenal, 13), which celebrates its seventeenth edition in 2024. In addition, enjoy concerts by the Municipal Symphonic Band and saetas performed by the best cantaores, from the balcony of the Casa de la Panadería (Plaza Mayor) that promises to be a unique experience.

From the majestic compositions of Bach, Reger and Messiaen to the emotional saetas, the week culminates in a significant way on Resurrection Sunday (March 31) with a Tamborrada in Madrid’s Plaza Mayor. Cofrades, drums and bass drums come together to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, three days after his death.

Tamborrada in Madrid’s Plaza Mayor Madrid City Hall

3. Typical Holy Week gastronomy

In addition to religious and musical traditions, Holy Week in Madrid is also an opportunity to enjoy the typical gastronomy of these dates. During this period, it is common to find traditional dishes and sweets that reflect the essence of the celebration. Potajes de vigilia, torrijas, buñuelos, and monas de Pascua are some of the delicacies that occupy a special place on the table during Holy Week in Madrid.

For the occasion, the secret garden of CoolRooms Palacio de Atocha, El Patio de Atocha reveals its special Holy Week breakfast/snack menu with these typical sweets such as aniseed buñelos, cinnamon rosquilla and pestiños all accompanied by a delicious traditional chocolate, for only 7.50€, from March 22 to 31. You can also enjoy an exquisite brioche torrija with rice pudding foam and orange blossom ice cream, available in the menu of El Patio de Atocha, the secret garden of CoolRooms Palacio de Atocha (lunch and/or dinner).

Brioche torrija with rice pudding foam and orange blossom ice cream El Patio de Atocha

4. Cocido madrileño stew route

This year, coinciding with Holy Week, the cocido madrileño route is presented as a unique gastronomic experience in Madrid. The cocido madrileño, an emblematic dish of the region, becomes the protagonist of this culinary route. Local restaurants offer their versions of the traditional cocido, a stew that combines chickpeas, meats and vegetables, standing out for its comforting and traditional flavor.

During Holy Week, this route allows locals and visitors to enjoy different interpretations of cocido madrileño, exploring the diversity of flavors that the city has to offer. Whether in classic restaurants or more contemporary establishments, the cocido madrileño route is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the city’s rich gastronomic culture and experience a unique culinary celebration during this festive period.

In addition, at our restaurant, El Patio de Atocha, we also propose our exclusive cocido madrileño soup with creamy chickpea soup and dumpling of its ropa vieja, a delicious option for those looking to explore new interpretations of this classic dish.

Cocido madrileño soup with creamy chickpea soup and dumpling of its ropa vieja El Patio de Atocha

5. Experience Holy Week with unique musical comedies

During Holy Week in Madrid, musical comedies present themselves as an exciting entertainment option, offering an alternative plan for those looking to enjoy culture and fun in the city. It is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the magic of musical theater and experience Madrid’s vibrant cultural scene in a unique way.

From the spectacular world of “The Lion King” to the glamour and mystery of “Chicago, The Musical,” musical comedies offer a captivating escape. “Ghost, The Musical” and “Mamma Mia! The Musical” provide emotional, music-filled experiences, while “Pretty Woman – The Musical” transports viewers to a timeless love story.

For those looking for a futuristic experience with Queen’s unmistakable touch, “We Will Rock You” is a must-see option. If a fresh reinterpretation of classic tales is preferred, “Peter, The Musical” and “Aladdin, The Musical” promise surprises and fun.

Explore musical comedies in Madrid during Holy Week here.

6. Exhibitions during Holy Week in Madrid in 2024

Since you are in Madrid at Holy Week, you can also take the opportunity to visit one of the exhibitions offered by museums and cultural centers in the capital during this period. Here are some examples:

Pixar World – IFEMA: This immersive exhibit features full-scale sets from Toy Story, Coco, Up, Finding Nemo and Inside Out. Immerse yourself in Andy’s room, visit the factory of Monsters S. A. or cook in the Gusteau Restaurant of Ratatouille. An experience for the whole family and Disney and Pixar fans. Buy ticket.

The “Monsters S.A.” room of ‘Mundo Pixar. Photo: Javier Yuste

The World of Van Gogh – Nomad Immersive Museum: a unique experience that takes you to explore the life of the painter through his works in motion and emotions told in first person. With original music by Adrián Berenguer and state-of-the-art technology, this exhibition redefines artistic immersion. Buy ticket.

Van Gogh’s World Tourism Madrid

Antoni Tàpies. The Practice of Art – Museo Reina Sofía: More than 220 works from around the world are on display at the Sabatini Building, 4th Floor, offering a unique opportunity to explore the artistic evolution of the prominent Catalan artist between 1943 and 2012. The exhibition resituates his work and influences in the history of recent art, making it a must-see experience for art lovers. Buy ticket.

A cry for freedom – Fundación MAFPRE: Presents the work of painter Marc Chagall, highlighting his influence on Surrealism, Russian Expressionism and Cubism. The exhibition approaches his art in light of the historical events that shaped his life and the socio-political stances he adopted, offering a complete perspective of his production from his unwavering idealism and his humanist commitment to universal peace. Buy ticket.

Chagall. A cry for freedom Mapfre Foundation

Ellas Crean 2024: A festival of female creation commemorating International Women’s Day. Organized by the Institute for Women and Equal Opportunities, the event highlights female figures in film, literature, music and theater, including Carmen Linares at the National Archeological Museum. Dance, poetry, film and exhibitions at venues such as the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum round out this vibrant showcase of female creativity in Madrid. Ellas Crean 2024 program.

Poster for the 20th edition of the Ellas Crean Festival