Calatrava Route of the Passion

These are some of the most unusual celebrations to be found in the area of Campo de Calatrava, in the province of Ciudad Real. In Easter Week, over 50 cofradías (brotherhoods) and 20 bands of drummers and trumpeters fill the streets with light, colour, aromas and the emotions inspired by this religious festival.

To mark the feast of Easter, this route visits the towns of Aldea del Rey, Almagro, Bolaños, Granátula, Miguelturra, Pozuelo, Torralba, Valenzuela, Moral and Calzada de Calatrava to experience their Easter traditions, from Holy Wednesday to Resurrection Sunday. Their symbols and rituals include a dramatisation of the Taking of Christ by the “armaos” in costume as Roman centurions, a march known as the Snail Turn, the game of Faces, and women wearing the classic lace mantilla accompanying the floats. It’s also a good time to try some traditional sweets and pastries, such as rosquillos, barquillos, or Flores de Calatrava, and to discover heritage sites like the original Corral de Comedias theatre in Almagro, or the Castle of Calatrava la Nueva.