Declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest, Zaragoza’s Holy Week processions will take place between Viernes de Dolores (27 March) and Easter Sunday (5 April). During those days, more than 15,000 members of 25 brotherhoods will take to the streets in over 50 processions, accompanied by as many as 4,000 drums and bass drums. Here, Holy Week almost seems to roar.

With so many events to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why we’d recommend, for its beauty and spectacle, attending the Proclamation Procession (Procesión del Pregón). It takes place on Saturday 28 March at 6 pm, starting from the Church of Santa Isabel. Along the route, the procession pauses in Plaza del Pilar, where the official proclamation is delivered, marking the formal opening of Zaragoza’s Holy Week.

Another deeply moving moment is the Holy Burial Procession (Procesión del Santo Entierro). Held on Good Friday, it gathers members from all 25 brotherhoods, who walk together through the streets of the city centre. It is said to be the longest and oldest procession in Spain.

To begin with, we recommend simply wandering the streets and discovering a Zaragoza that feels different from the one you usually encounter. Spend some time around Plaza del Pilar, where the spectacle of drums and bass drums becomes even more impressive in such a grand setting.

Make a note of the Glorious Encounter Procession (Encuentro Glorioso), which takes place on Easter Sunday. As its name suggests, it recreates the meeting between the Risen Christ and the Virgin Mary. The scene unfolds in the square to the sound of ringing bells, traditional jotas and, of course, the thunderous beat of drums.

And yes, we know that processions are at the heart of Holy Week, but there’s also time to step away from the crowds. Head to the Stone Bridge (Puente de Piedra) for one of the best views of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, stroll along the banks of the Ebro River —which usually runs high at this time of year— or discover some of the city’s lesser-known corners.

Have you visited the Aljafería Palace? Its story unfolds from curiosity to curiosity, and the Mudéjar art that shapes it has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or perhaps you’d like to follow the trail of murals created by the Asalto Festival, which has been filling Zaragoza’s walls with urban art since 2005. A different way to explore the city’s streets.

And when hunger strikes, it’s time to head to El Tubo, Zaragoza’s famous tapas district, where it’s easy to lose track of time moving from one bite to the next.

The Sercotel Plaza Feria is one of those hotels where you might feel tempted to stay for good. Thanks to its location near the airport and the city’s main transport routes, getting there is incredibly easy. And when the buzz of Zaragoza’s Holy Week fills the streets, closing the door to your room will bring welcome peace and quiet.

The rooms themselves are spacious, warm and welcoming, designed for restful nights. And once you step outside again, our gastronomic offering —whether at breakfast or in the restaurant throughout the day— is well worth repeating.