Holy Week is a moveable feast which begins on Palm Sunday (Domingo de Ramos) and runs through to Resurrection Sunday (this year, April 8^th-15^th). To see Spanish Holy Week at its most extravagant, head for Andalusia, especially Seville. Failing that, Easter is spectacular in other cathedral cities, such as Valladolid, Leon or even Bilbao, or in many smaller towns. Virtually anywhere, in fact, except Madrid or Barcelona. 

Even if you are not especially interested in the religious aspect, Spanish Holy Week is impressive. The processions which take place throughout the week are the centre of attention, but that does not mean you have to be especially devout to enjoy this time of year here. People come out to follow or watch the pasos, floats, and have a drink and a meal as well – it is another day out. And no-one is going to oblige you to watch the whole of a procession. When you flag, go for a drink and return, or follow the procession in reverse direction. 

On first impression, the processions might seem repetitive, but the distinctions between them soon become clear. The day of the week makes an important difference. For example, Thursday's processions tend to be good-natured, if not high-spirited, while Good Friday's can be solemn to the point of mournfulness.