Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Castilla y León is one of the cultural and popular manifestations that attract the highest number of tourists.
During the week the region becomes transformed into a contemplative and devout place, only interrupted by the sound of drums and trumpets.
Holy Week means peace and soberness, presided over by the artistic marvels of the images in the incomparable surroundings of Roman and Gothic churches. As varied as the cultural diversity that attends it, the manifestation itself is demonstrative of the devotion of all the people who celebrate the event in their different ways, although always driven by the same sentiments: passion, fervour and silence.
Thousands of fraternity members take part in the procession in true acts of faith, bearing authentic works of art so expressive that they seem to become flesh and blood as the drums beat their rhythm.
It is truly difficult to describe the sensation that one feels on observing the silent floats, as it is to define the expressive and tragic quality of the images.
They are the best legacy of such artists of calibre as Gregorio Fernández, Juan de Juni, Pedro Berruguete and Gil de Siloé, who with their images of Christ, the Virgin Mary and Ecce Homo together with the passion of Christ wake an artistic appreciation in all those who contemplate them.
Such is the history, custom and sentiment in these religious manifestations, that many of the Holy Week festivals in Castilla y León have been declared festivals of touristic interest. Internationally, such as those in Valladolid and Zamora, and also nationally and regionally.
