Semana Santa de San Sebastián
Donostia-San Sebastián's Holy Week returned in 2026 with processions for the first time in nearly six decades (the last was around 1966), driven by the Cofradía de Jesús Nazareno with more than 450 members. It's free, intimate, and far from overcrowded: the main event is the Good Friday procession, at 20:30 from the Catedral del Buen Pastor.
Intimate processions through the centre and Parte Vieja
Forget the spectacle of Seville or Málaga: Holy Week in Donostia is quiet and understated. In 2026 it returned to the streets after nearly six decades (the last procession was around 1966), led by the Cofradía de Jesús Nazareno, founded in 1927 and revived by local laypeople. The centrepiece is the Procession of the Holy Burial on Good Friday, at 20:30 from the Catedral del Buen Pastor, featuring three original restored floats — Jesús Nazareno, Cristo Yacente and Virgen de la Soledad — and penitents in white robes and purple capirotes. The route runs through the Ensanche (Urdaneta, San Martín, Guetaria, plaza Gipuzkoa), not through the Parte Vieja. Top tip: the most singular event is the Via Crucis up Monte Urgull, at 08:00 from behind the Basílica de Santa María — 14 stations in silence with the sea as backdrop. Always confirm dates and the full programme on the Catedral del Buen Pastor's website.
Pintxos during Holy Week: the best bars to visit
The other half of the trip is eating. The Parte Vieja has the densest pintxo crawl in Spain, and at Easter it's in full spring form: anchovy season begins (April–June), with Bar Txepetxa as the go-to spot (pintxos 3–5 €). Other classics: Ganbara (mushrooms, tuna carpaccio), Bar Néstor (just two tortillas a day; get there at 12:00 or 19:00), La Cuchara de San Telmo (suckling pig, braised cheeks) and Borda Berri (orzo with Idiazábal). Budget guide: 15–25 € per person across 4–5 bars with drinks. The txikiteo rule: one bar, one speciality, one drink, standing up, and you pay when you leave; order the hot items off the blackboard, not from the display case. Top tip: on Holy Thursday and Good Friday many bars get packed and some close for the holiday; arrive when they open, and if you're after a Michelin-starred restaurant, book 2–4 weeks in advance.
La Concha and the city in spring
March and April are among the best times to visit Donostia: fewer crowds than in summer, lower accommodation prices, and a city that feels alive without the hustle. The oceanic climate is mild — highs of 13–15 °C, cool but often sunny — with around 8 rainy days per month, so pack a waterproof and light layers. La Concha beach (1,350 m of fine sand, with the island of Santa Clara in the background) hosts no religious events, but it frames the whole week: you can walk its full length without jostling, even if it's not yet swimming weather. You'll also find the Peine del Viento, plaza de la Constitución and the walk up to Monte Urgull completely crowd-free. Top tip: the weather shifts quickly along the Bay of Biscay — a day can start bright and end in drizzle. Don't plan everything around sunshine and keep a good indoor backup in mind.
Combining Holy Week with the city's highlights
Beyond the religious events, Donostia has plenty to fill the day. The Aquarium, in the old port beside the Parte Vieja, usually opens during Holy Week and is a solid rainy-day option. Take the century-old funicular up Monte Igueldo for the best views of the bay, and walk out to Chillida's Peine del Viento — especially impressive when the sea is rough. Add the Kursaal, Museo San Telmo, the Balneario de La Perla and the Catedral del Buen Pastor itself to your list. If you want more Holy Week atmosphere, Hondarribia (~25 km, 30 min) holds processions that are often considered more elaborate than Donostia's. Top tip: check holiday opening hours before you go, since many places change their schedules on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. For further-afield trips like San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, factor in ~120–125 km and 1 h 35 min to 2 h by car depending on traffic and tolls: it's not the quick day trip many people picture.
Frequently asked questions
When is Holy Week in San Sebastián and what takes place?
Is it free to watch the processions?
Is Holy Week very crowded?
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Other places in San Sebastián
Playa de la Concha
playaThe most beautiful urban beach in Europe, with its unmistakable shell-like shape and the elegant 2 km Paseo de la Concha. Flanked by Monte Urgull and the island of Santa Clara, it offers fine sand, calm waters and postcard-perfect views of Palacio Miramar. The absolute symbol of Donostia and the epicentre of Basque summer life.
Parte Vieja (Casco Histórico)
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