The maritime quarters of the city of Valencia celebrate this religious festivity with a longstanding tradition, which has three crowning moments: the Blessing of the Palms, the Procession of the Holy Burial, and the Resurection Pararde.
The origins of this festivity date back to the 15th century, and Valencia's special relationship with the sea make it a unique adaptation of the typical Easter Week rituals.
Over 30 religious brotherhoods and associations, in addition to the municipal authorities, take part in this event. The floats featured in the processions include particularly the one bearing the carved image of La Veronica, by Mariano Benlliure. In addition to the static images belonging to each of the religious associations or cofradías, there are other living re-enactments, such as the one where the local inhabitants dressed in as biblical figures join the procession accompanied by the chiming of bells and music. The Holy Burial takes place on Good Friday, and is an act steeped in silence and solemn contemplation. On Sunday and Easter Monday, the custom is for families to go down to the old riverbed to enjoy typical produce such as the delicacies known as monas (typical Easter pies with hard-boiled eggs). Easter Sunday is also the day of the traditional ceremony of the Meeting of Christ with his Mother, a moment marked by the release of doves and showers of flower petals.
