Local getaways during Easter

Eight days, from Palm Sunday to Easter Monday, commemorate the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In our country, this year they will take place from April 13 to 21. The markedly religious nature of Holy Week doesn't mean that it's not a period in which many Catalans take advantage of the four-day work stoppage that a significant portion of the population has—from Good Friday to Easter Monday—to take a local getaway. This year, the dates fall right in the middle of spring, so the weather will be much more pleasant, and who knows, maybe this year we'll be spared the dreaded rains that usually occur around the time of the commemoration of one of the most emblematic chapters of the Christian religion.

Whether or not it's true, Cristina Lagé, Director General of Tourism for the Government of Catalonia, points out that Easter is a time of year that encourages travel for several reasons. On the one hand, she points out, "it allows you to take advantage of several consecutive holidays, which makes getaways easier without having to spend too many vacation days." On the other hand, as we mentioned, "it coincides with the beginning of spring, when the days get longer and the weather is milder, which encourages outdoor activities." It's also important to keep in mind, Laigé points out, that after the Christmas break, "many people are eager to take a break and disconnect from their routines." In this sense, "Easter becomes the first great opportunity of the year to resume leisure travel." And it does so at a time when the tourist market "is reactivating and prices are even more affordable than in the height of the summer season." All of this, the Director General of Tourism concludes, contributes to making these days "an ideal time for a getaway, whether close to home or to more distant destinations."

Key to deseasonalizing demand

The tourism sector has been working for years to extend the season beyond the summer months, and Easter, Laigé points out, "is key to this strategy." Traditionally, he points out, "it has marked the start of tourist activity in many destinations, especially on the coast, but increasingly it is being used to strengthen tourism inland and in the mountains." And, he emphasizes, "in Catalonia, we are clear that the future of tourism involves deseasonalizing, decentralizing, and diversifying the offer." During these Easter days, there is still activity on the ski slopes, but at the same time, employment is beginning to grow in coastal destinations and rural areas. This, in Laigé's words, "allows for a better distribution of visitor flows and avoids the large summer crowds."

The data shows that more and more people are choosing to travel outside of the traditional seasons, and that, the Director General of Tourism acknowledges, "encourages us to continue promoting a tourism offering that remains vibrant throughout the year." Catalonia, with its diverse landscapes and experiences, has the ability to attract visitors at any time of year, "and Easter is a good example."

Processions and caramelles

Holy Week also provides a wonderful opportunity to learn about some of the country's deeply rooted traditions that many Catalans may not be aware of, such as the silent processions in Badalona—which dates back to the 17th century and is considered the oldest in Catalonia—Reus, and Lleida, or the live Stations of the Cross of Sant Hilari Sacalm. Cristina Laigé points out that these days are, "without a doubt," a great opportunity to discover celebrations that are part of Catalonia's cultural heritage and that often go unnoticed by some people.

The Director General of Tourism for the Government of Catalonia explicitly refers to processions, "a highlight," with emblematic examples such as the Santo Entierro in Barcelona and the Silence in Tarragona, "where the participants, dressed in black and carrying crosses, create a unique atmosphere." Also highly recognized, she adds, are the Passion Parades of Esparreguera and Olesa de Montserrat, "which are experienced with great intensity and involve hundreds of people." Another unique tradition in her opinion is the Dance of Death in Verges, a medieval performance steeped in symbolism that attracts visitors from all over the country. "And, of course," Laigé concludes, "we cannot forget the icicles, the popular songs that announce Easter in many Catalan towns, or the celebration of Palm Sunday, with the blessing of palms and olive branches, which still remains very popular today."