Semana Santa & Fiestas de Primavera 2025 in Murcia: Events & Essential Info
Murcia comes alive each spring with two significant celebrations — Semana Santa (Holy Week) and the Fiestas de Primavera (Spring Festivals). These consecutive events immerse locals and visitors alike in deep-rooted traditions, culture, music, food, and color. Here's your ultimate guide to the 2025 celebrations, including key dates, event descriptions, and essential parking and transport tips.
Semana Santa in Murcia
Dates: Sunday, April 13 – Sunday, April 20, 2025
Location: Murcia City Centre
Murcia’s Holy Week processions are among Spain’s most moving, blending religious devotion with stunning artistry. Each day features processions with centuries-old pasos (floats) carried by members of historic brotherhoods (cofradías) dressed in traditional robes and capirotes.
Palm Sunday – Procesión de la Entrada en Jerusalén
Date: April 13
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Iglesia de San Pedro Apóstol
This joyful procession represents Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem, greeted by palm-waving crowds. Families and children walk in traditional dress holding palm branches, symbolizing peace and the beginning of Holy Week.
Holy Tuesday – Procesión del Santísimo Cristo de la Salud
Date: April 15
Time: 7:45 PM
Location: Iglesia de San Juan de Dios
A solemn nighttime procession featuring the dramatic figure of Christ of the Health. Accompanied by haunting music and dimmed lights, this is one of the most emotionally stirring processions of the week.
Holy Thursday – Procesión del Silencio (Procession of Silence)
Date: April 17
Time: 11:00 PM
Location: Iglesia de San Lorenzo
As the city darkens, the sound of drums and distant footsteps echo through the streets. This silent and contemplative procession symbolizes the agony of Christ before the crucifixion, making it one of the most powerful experiences of the week.
Good Friday Morning – Procesión de Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno
Date: April 18
Time: 7:00 AM
Location: Iglesia de Jesús
Named after sculptor Francisco Salzillo, whose 18th-century masterpieces are carried through the city, this procession is rich in Baroque beauty and historical legacy. Expect early-morning crowds and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Good Friday Evening – Procesión del Santo Sepulcro
Date: April 18
Time: 7:15 PM
Location: Iglesia de San Bartolomé-Santa María
The official city procession. A slow, reverent march representing the burial of Christ, with candles lighting the way and heavy drums marking the rhythm of mourning.
Easter Sunday – Procesión del Cristo Resucitado (Risen Christ)
Date: April 20
Time: 8:15 AM
Location: Iglesia de Santa Eulalia
White robes replace black as the city erupts in joy and music to celebrate the resurrection. The atmosphere is bright and festive, symbolizing new beginnings and hope.
Fiestas de Primavera
Dates: Monday, April 21 – Sunday, April 27, 2025
Location: Murcia City & Surrounding Areas
Murcia shifts from solemnity to full-blown celebration with the arrival of spring. The Fiestas de Primavera are filled with color, tradition, food, and festivity.
Bando de la Huerta – The Huertano Parade
Date: April 22
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: From Calle Mozart to Plaza Circular
The biggest day of the spring festivals. Locals dress in traditional huertano attire and line the streets for a grand parade of folkloric groups, decorated carts, dancers, and floats representing Murcia’s agricultural roots. Food is handed out freely – especially sausages, bread, and local wine.
Día del Pastel de Carne – Meat Pie Day
Date: April 23
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Plaza del Cardenal Belluga
Celebrate one of Murcia’s most iconic dishes – the meat pie. Local bakers hand out free pastel de carne to visitors in the city center, alongside cold drinks and musical entertainment.
Batalla de las Flores – Battle of the Flowers
Date: April 24
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Gran Vía
A family-friendly parade where vibrantly decorated floats toss flowers and small gifts into the cheering crowds. A colorful and fragrant spectacle celebrating spring in full bloom.
Entierro de la Sardina – The Burial of the Sardine
Date: April 26
Time: 9:00 PM
Route: Avenida San Juan de la Cruz to Plaza Martínez Tornel
The grand finale of the Spring Festivals. Mythological and satirical floats light up the night, and costumed performers hand out toys and sweets. A giant sardine effigy is paraded then ceremoniously burned to symbolize renewal. The fireworks at the end are some of the best in Spain.
Barracas – Traditional Food Stalls
Dates: April 21–27
Location: Throughout the city in public squares
Local peñas (cultural associations) set up open-air dining tents offering traditional Murcia cuisine: zarangollo, michirones, paparajotes, and more. Affordable, authentic, and a favorite among locals.
Parking and Transport Tips
Due to large crowds and numerous road closures, driving into the city center during Semana Santa and Fiestas de Primavera is strongly discouraged. However, there are convenient options available:
Recommended Free Park-and-Ride Areas (April 13–27)
Atocha
Loaysa
Justicia
Fuenteblanca
Condomina
These car parks are monitored, connected to public transport, and include security. Collect a free ticket on entry. Trams and buses run frequently to and from the center.
Paid Parking Garages (City Centre)
If you prefer to park closer to the festivities, these centrally located paid options are available (expect congestion and early closures near parade times):
Parking Santo Domingo – Calle Santa Teresa, 1
Parking Glorieta – Glorieta de España
Parking Gran Vía – Gran Vía Escultor Salzillo
Parking Universidad – Avenida Teniente Flomesta
Parking Hospital Reina Sofía – Well-connected and slightly outside the busiest zones
Public Transport
Free Bus & Tram Days:
April 22 (Bando de la Huerta)
April 26 (Entierro de la Sardina)
Extended Service: Trams and buses will run late and frequently on major event days.
Check live updates using the Murcia Transport website or apps like 'TU MURCIA'.
Keystyle Properties Tips for Visitors
Arrive Early
Plan to be at event locations at least 30–60 minutes before start time to secure good views.
Use Park-and-Ride
These are the easiest and safest way to avoid traffic stress and road closures.
Explore on Foot
Most key events take place within walking distance in the historic city centre. You'll discover food stalls, live music, and pop-up entertainment along the way.
Book Restaurants in Advance
Tables during Bando de la Huerta and Sardina night go fast. Book ahead or enjoy Murcia’s culinary scene at the barracas.
Stay Informed
For updates on road closures, schedule changes or route maps, visit Murcia’s official tourism site or follow local council announcements.
