Semana Santa - how to get a good night’s sleep?

[mlhhome]

Three of my Caminos included Semana Santa (on both the Frances & VDLP) and I remember having difficulty getting a complete night sleep due to the processions and the early morning festivities of what seemed the entire village and/or city. I never developed a good strategy to balance watching the late processions, sleep and morning departures.

What advice would you offer pilgrims?

Mike

 

[SabsP]

I advise decent earbuds. Or immerse yourself in this wonderful cultural tradition and accept that during these days your sleep will be less than normal. If possible treat yourself to a quiet hotel/ hostal on Easter Monday .

 

[Anniesantiago]

My advice is to join in the celebration or choose a different time to walk.
I've been at Semana Santa in Sevilla, Granada, Cordoba, Madrid, and Manresa.
All were awesome!
Otherwise, just very good earplugs.

 

[alexwalker]

Three of my Caminos included Semana Santa (on both the Frances & VDLP) and I remember having difficulty getting a complete night sleep due to the processions and the early morning festivities of what seemed the entire village and/or city. I never developed a good strategy to balance watching the late processions, sleep and morning departures.

What advice would you offer pilgrims?

Mike

Ear plugs/ear muffs/sleep in remote area.

You are lucky to be there! I would participate. I have enjoyed it in Sevilla, Malaga and Alicante.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

If you don’t want to participate:
Quality earplugs, choosing an Albergue/ Hotel that doesn’t have a gathering area (plaza etc), bar, or restaurant in the immediate vicinity.

 

[unadara]

My daughter met me on the VDLP for Semana Santa. We had a wonderful week. We were in Mérida City and surrounding area. It is possible to sleep away from the centre if you need to. I also found very high noise levels at night at many other ordinary weekends so advise trying to find a sleep method that works for you.

 

[HappyValerie]

I struggled to get any sleep on the night before Good Friday in Sahagun. Drunken revellers in the lane outside the window even at 6am! And this was a little way from the main plaza. To me, it was not at all in keeping with the real meaning of Easter, & was glad to leave & return to the glory of God's beautiful countryside. I only has simple earplugs. I think I struggled mostly with what felt like disrespect for the occasion.

 

[SabsP]

I struggled to get any sleep on the night before Good Friday in Sahagun. Drunken revellers in the lane outside the window even at 6am! And this was a little way from the main plaza. To me, it was not at all in keeping with the real meaning of Easter, & was glad to leave & return to the glory of God's beautiful countryside. I only has simple earplugs. I think I struggled mostly with what felt like disrespect for the occasion.

That is because Semana Santa is about religion meeting culture and tradition for Spaniards.
So the real meaning is way more than religion only.
Plus Semana Santa is also traditionally about meeting family and friends and having a good time.
We are layered and complex people and can enjoy different things at the same time.

Holy Week in Spain - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Semana Santa I Oxford Open Learning

Semana Santa, or Spanish holy week, has far reaching cultural and historic significance in addition to its religious heritage.

www.oxfordhomeschooling.co.uk

 

[HappyValerie]

That is because Semana Santa is about religion meeting culture and tradition for Spaniards.
So the real meaning is way more than religion only.
Plus Semana Santa is also traditionally about meeting family and friends and having a good time.
We are layered and complex people and can enjoy different things at the same time.

Holy Week in Spain - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Semana Santa I Oxford Open Learning

Semana Santa, or Spanish holy week, has far reaching cultural and historic significance in addition to its religious heritage.

www.oxfordhomeschooling.co.uk

Thank you for these links. Very informative.