Holy Week in Mérida

Holy Week in Mérida has some many special characteristics that it was not only declared to be a Festivity of National Tourist Interest but one of International Tourist Interest.

The procession of the stations of penance beside the Roman ruins, such as the Temple of Diana, Trajan's Arch, and Roman bridge and the via crucis with the crucifix of the Most Holy Christ of the O inside the Roman Amphitheatre, perfectly blend in with the monumental grandeur of the region's capital city.

Holy Week, which lasts for seven days as of Palm Sunday, sees about 30 statues taken out in procession around the city; statues that have unquestionable historical and artistic value, master works were crafted by makers of religious images of great renown.

The arrival of the different processions with their statues at the Plaza de España and their departure, as well as the return of the statues to their churches account for some of the most outstanding moments of Mérida's Holy Week celebrations, along with the musical official address at the Roman theatre, the "coslalero" (image bearer) address and the "saeta" (flamenco-style sacred song) competition.