The history of Lorca's Holy Week

The Holy Week of Lorca is renowned for its monumental staging during the processions that wind through the city's main streets. Defined as "a different kind of Passion," it offers spectators an original way of narrating the story of Salvation and the triumph of Christianity.

This is no ordinary procession: it features galloping horses, breathtaking embroidery, allegorical floats, and various pasos, such as Paso Blanco and Paso Azul, each with its own unique way of depicting the Passion of Christ.

The origins of the processions

The processions as we know them today took shape in the 19th century, when Paso Blanco and Paso Azul were reorganized to create these grand parades. They were later joined by Paso Morado, Paso Encarnado, Paso Negro, and Resucitado, each with its own traditions. In 2007, the Holy Week of Lorca was declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest, recognizing its grandeur and uniqueness.

Paso Azul: pioneers of the spectacle

The Hermandad de Labradores, known as Paso Azul, is one of the most prominent brotherhoods and is based in the Church of San Francisco, a National Monument. Its patron is the Virgin of Sorrows, and its main procession takes place on Viernes de Dolores (Friday of Sorrows).

Paso Azul was a pioneer in incorporating elements that are now hallmarks of Lorca’s Holy Week:

• 1870: The first female equestrian rider joined the parade.

• 1945: The first galloping chariot was introduced.

• 1972: The Nero chariot was added.

Additionally, some of its stunning embroidered textiles have been declared Assets of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural - BIC).

Paso Negro: The brotherhood of lawyers

The Hermandad de la Curia, or Paso Negro, has a unique feature: all its members come from the judicial world. Its main procession takes place on Palm Sunday, and its statue of the Virgin of Solitude was commissioned after the Spanish Civil War from sculptor José Sánchez Lozano. One of its most emotional traditions is the private procession on Passion Saturday, which winds through Lorca's historic center and ends at the former collegiate Church of San Patricio.

Paso Morado: Guardians of the Via Crucis

Founded in the 18th century, Paso Morado plays a key role on Maundy Thursday (Jueves Santo). One of its most spectacular elements is the sculptural group of the Last Supper, created in 1700 by Nicolás Salzillo. This brotherhood also preserves the tradition of the Via Crucis, dating back to the 17th century, covering 1,321 steps up to Mount Calvary. This route, along with the hermitages along the way, was declared a Cultural Heritage Site (BIC) in 2012.

Paso Encarnado: The silence of Maundy Thursday

The Archconfraternity of the Christ of the Blood, known as Paso Encarnado, is famous for its Silent Procession on Maundy Thursday night—the only one of its kind in Lorca. Its origins date back to the 16th century, when the Brotherhood of the True Cross and Blood of Christ was founded. Today, its headquarters is the Church of San Cristóbal, in the neighborhood of the same name.

Paso Blanco: Absolute artists

Paso Blanco traces its roots to the Archconfraternity of Our Lady of the Rosary. Its leading figure is the Virgin of Bitterness, known as the "Beautiful Virgin", who only processes on Good Friday.

In 1855, Paso Blanco was the first to introduce a live re-enactment of Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem, which gave rise to today’s biblical-passion parades. Today, its processions feature grand floats and equestrian groups, with participants portraying characters from both the Old and New Testaments. Among its textiles, six pieces have been declared Cultural Heritage (BIC). 

Experiencing Holy Week in Lorca

For ten days, Lorca transforms into a stage of history and devotion. The main processions take place on:

• Viernes de Dolores (Friday of Sorrows)

• Domingo de Ramos (Palm Sunday)

• Jueves Santo (Maundy Thursday)

• Viernes Santo (Good Friday)

To secure a good viewing spot along the the main parade route (where the floats and horses pass), tickets must be purchased through the brotherhoods:

• Paso Blanco: +34 968 46 18 13

• Paso Azul: +34 968 47 20 77

Don't forget that during Holy Week—and in the lead-up to it—the Lorca Tourist Office offers personalized assistance to help visitors plan and enjoy a city filled with cultural and religious events.