I know it is Christmas week and most of us are feeling the pressure of getting that last-minute gift or preparing for that big holiday dinner. And, for the first time in my life, I am all finished and just awaiting the fun of the holidays! As a matter of fact, I am also preparing for future holidays such as Easter. Easter is a pretty big deal where I come from with religious ceremonies and Easter egg hunts. We even have a parade here in Philadelphia. But in the center of Spain, between Madrid and Valencia, is the town of Cuenca that takes its Easter traditions to a whole new level.
Dating back to the 17th century, the hills and narrow streets of historical Cuenca have been home to a unique devotion that combines religion, art, music, and processions to commemorate the death of Jesus Christ. Each year, colorful enrobed members of different Easter brotherhoods parade through the town’s streets carrying religious statues accompanied by the famous “turbas” or drums and trumpets.
The Religious Music Week (RMW) coincides with Cuenca’s historical Easter Week celebrations and each year for the past 56 years, features international talent, accompanied by orchestras and choirs that puts the festival in the world’s elite category. This year, the festival happens from April 8-16, 2018 and features composer Francisco Coll, one Spain’s most outstanding composers of the 21st century. Cuenca, with its unique Holy week and Music Week celebrations, will transform into a destination of worship and sacred music for travelers from all over Europe.
So, if you are looking forward to the Easter holidays, or maybe thinking of traveling, Cuenca’s Easter Week Celebration and Religious Music Week Festival are definitely bucket-list worthy!
By In Attractions, Spain, Tourist Office of Spain Posted 523
