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Holy Week in Barcelona is a fusion of solemnity and modernity, where the spirituality of its processions is intertwined with the city’s vibrant essence. The Barrio Gótico is permeated with history and devotion while brotherhoods retrace centuries-old routes through narrow streets.
Unlike other cities with more traditional celebrations, Barcelona’s Holy Week has a contemporary air, where faith coexists with the cultural diversity that defines the city.
La Mona de Pascua: A sweet story
Beyond the processions, Holy Week in Catalonia has an unmistakable flavour: Mona de Pascua.
This sweet, traditionally given to children by their godchildren on Easter Monday, has evolved from a simple sponge cake decorated with hard-boiled eggs to chocolate creations that are authentic works of art.
A visit Barcelona at this time simply has to take in a tour of the best pastry shops to see this year’s most spectacular monas. We recommend the following:
Escribà Patisserie: Famous for its innovative creations, the Escribà patisserie offers spectacularly designed Easter cakes, from the most classic to the most modern. Their chocolate candy is among the most coveted.
Patisseria Foix: In the neighborhood of Sarrià the historic, here you will find a wide range of chocolate monas of all shapes and sizes. The chocolate gorilla, 40 cm high and weighing in at 4 kilos is this year’s winner of “La mejor Mona de Pascua”
La Pastisseria: With a focus on tradition, presents delicious, exquisitely crafted Easter cakes, a benchmark for those with a sweet tooth.
L’Atelier: La tienda de haute pastelería has a line called “Monos, monas” cute chocolate monkey figures in different poses, displaying a wide range of emotions.
The Mona’s history, flavour and colorful appearance, has won a special place in the hearts and stomachs of the people of Barcelona. Visitors to our city can experience the charm of this traditions on their own tables. Whether classic or innovative, this Easter sweet can still remind us of the importance of sharing and enjoying life’s little pleasures.
While families and friends gather to share a delicious Easter treats in parks and on beaches, Barcelona also offers a rich program of concerts in churches and auditoriums. The notes of classical music rise to reflect the solemnity of the season. Here is some of the best classical musical in the city this Easter.
Music for the soul: Easter concerts in Barcelona
Holy Week is an ideal time to immerse yourself in sacred music, with concerts that turn the city into a scene of introspection and sonic beauty. Among the highly anticipated performances, Bach’s Pasiones stand out. Performances at the Palau de la Música Catalana attract music lovers from all over the world.
The Passion according to San Mathew
Considered one of the most sublime compositions in the history of music, Saint Matthew’s Passion by Bach was premiered on Good Friday in 1727 and has thrilled audiences of all faiths ever since. Its combination of dramatic intensity and spiritual depth make it a unique musical experience.
This year, this work will be performed by the prestigious RIAS Kammerchor and the Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin (AKAMUS), under the direction of Justin Doyle.
The Passion according to Saint John
Less extensive than its “big sister”, but with as much impact, The Passion according to St. John was Bach’s first great sacred work, composed after he assumed the position as Kantor in Leipzig in 1723. Its drama and beauty continue to captivate audiences almost three centuries after its premiere.
On this occasion, the ensemble Vox Luminis will take charge, together with the Freiburger Barockorchester, conducted by Lionel Meunier. A unique opportunity to enjoy a historical interpretation of this masterpiece.
Ancient Lights: Music in historic spaces
For lovers of ancient music, the Llums d’Antiga Festival is essential. Organized by L’Auditori de Barcelona, this event celebrates the richness of the ancient repertoire in emblematic medieval settings:the Basílica de los Santos Just i Pastor, the Church of Sant Felip Neri and the Sant Pau del Camp Monastery
Now in its seventh edition, the festival presents six concerts of heritage recovery projects and artists specializing in historical interpretations. Among the most anticipated performances, is the interpretation of the oratorio ‘The return of the prodigal son’ by the Barcelona composer Carles Baguer stands out, a work that, more than two centuries after its creation, it returns to life in the city of its birth.
