Easter week in Calanda

Calanda, in the province of Teruel, is one of the nine villages that make up Aragón’s Route of the Drum and Bass Drum.

Throughout Holy Week, the thunderous rhythms of these instruments echo through the streets of towns across southern Aragón. In Calanda, the most eagerly awaited moment is the Rompida de la Hora. Unlike in the other villages along the route, Calanda holds this tradition at midday on Good Friday. Thousands of drummers gather in the main square and, as the clock strikes 12 noon, begin playing together in unison, filling the entire area with a tremendous roar.

Shortly afterwards, one of the most impressive events of the celebrations takes place: the El Pregón procession. The powerful drumming comes to a halt when the town crier announces the death of Christ, creating a moment of striking solemnity. The drums and bass drums remain silent until the following year, after the Santo Entierro (Holy Burial) procession on Saturday afternoon.

Holy Week is one of Spain’s most deeply rooted religious celebrations, with centuries of history and tradition. It commemorates the Passion and death of Jesus Christ. During these days, the streets of towns and cities across Spain become settings for faith and devotion, where solemn reflection and mourning blend with music, art, colour and the evocative atmosphere of religious processions, as crowds accompany sacred images through the streets.