The best places to experience one of the most special days of Holy Week
Palm Sunday in Madrid marks the start of one of the most eagerly anticipated weeks for Catholics. The city comes alive with tradition, processions, and an atmosphere that blends culture and faith. If you want to experience Palm Sunday in Madrid in an authentic way, here are the spots you won’t want to miss.
Want to know the best spots for another of the most solemn days of Holy Week in Madrid? We’ve put together anarticle so you don’t miss a thing this Good Friday in the capital.
How is Palm Sunday celebrated in Madrid?
Palm Sunday in Madrid is celebrated in the streets. Historic processions wind their way through the city center amid palm branches and olive trees. It’s a very special day where tradition, music, and excitement come together from early in the morning.
One of the most eagerly anticipated moments is the procession of “La Borriquita,” which has departed from the Almudena Cathedral since 2014 and symbolizes Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. From there, various locations throughout the city center become the true stages of Madrid’s Holy Week.
Almudena Cathedral
The La Borriquita procession begins at the Almudena Cathedral at 3:15 p.m., marking one of the most anticipated moments of the day.
It’s absolutely perfect for families, especially because of the family-friendly atmosphere. Watching the procession leave the cathedral, accompanied by the sound of marching bands and the clapping of hands, is a legendary Holy Week experience.
One really cool thing is that the Hermandad de la Borriquita dedicates part of its Palm Sunday procession to people with hearing impairments and autism spectrum disorder.
On Ciudad Rodrigo Street, next to the Plaza Mayor, the bands stop playing and the floats pass by in complete silence.
Town Square
Plaza de la Villa is one of the highlights of the tour.
Here you can see La Borriquita pass by around 4:30 p.m., in a stunning historic setting that makes the procession even more impressive. The old buildings create a unique atmosphere that really brings out the spirit of the brotherhood.
Plaza de la Villa is one of the oldest and best-preserved spots in Madrid’s historic center. In the Middle Ages, it was an important political and social hub where meetings and markets were held, and for centuries it housed the City Hall.
Three historic buildings stand out in the square: the Casa y Torre de los Lujanes (15th century), the Casa de Cisneros (16th century), and the Casa de la Villa (17th century). In the center stands the statue of Álvaro de Bazán.
Today, it is an iconic site and one of the best places to watch processions without large crowds, and it has preserved its medieval charm almost intact.
Pontifical Basilica of St. Michael
Another must-see event is the start of the Los Estudiantes procession from the Pontifical Basilica of San Miguel (4 San Justo Street) at 5:30 p.m.
The Pontifical Basilica of San Miguel is one of the most notable Baroque churches in Madrid’s historic center, located near the Plaza Mayor and the San Miguel Market.
It was built in the 18th century and is notable for its elegant curved façade in the Italian Baroque style, a rarity in Madrid. Inside, it features a single, richly decorated nave, with frescoes and ornamental details that reflect the aesthetic of the period.
In addition to its architectural significance, the basilica is known for its excellent acoustics, which is why it now also hosts classical music concerts. It is a place that combines history, art, and culture right in the heart of the city.
This procession has a more solemn and contemplative atmosphere, with a carefully crafted aesthetic that contrasts with the festive mood of the morning.
We’re pleased to share that the Los Estudiantes brotherhoodmade its first processional appearance during Madrid’s Holy Week in 1990, when a group of young people—mostly from Seville, many of whom were still students—founded one of Madrid’s most unique brotherhoods.
Experiencing Palm Sunday in Madrid means immersing yourself in a tradition that blends history, excitement, and a unique atmosphere in every corner of the city center. These spots are just the beginning of everything you can discover.
If you want to discover more hidden gems, off-the-beaten-path spots, and events that nobody else tells you about, download Spotlife (it's free ;)) and start exploring the city like never before.
