Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is marked by a series of processions around the town by the different religious brotherhoods, where funereal music, slow drum beats and incense set the mood, whilst dozens of volunteers carry huge platforms bearing images of the Easter story.
The first procession is on Palm Sunday (April 9th 2017) at 11.30am, starting at Plaza Ermita and ending at the church on the Balcon de Europa. The largest procession is on Easter Sunday, starting (at midday) and finishing on the Balcon de Europa.
There are other processions throughout the week, beginning and ending at the El Salvador church next to the Balcon de Europa, where the spectacle of the huge icons being squeezed out of the door is worth seeing.
People lining the streets give an indication that you are in the right place, and the slow drum beats in the distance warn of the march’s advance.
A good spot to watch all the processions is near to the chemists (Farmacia) on Calle Pintada, or you can join the crowds on the Balcon de Europa.
Nerja Easter Processions 2017
There are also masses and other smaller events held throughout the week. You can pick up a leaflet in the Tourist Information Office with full details if you wish to attend.