LateRooms.com - See antique floats during holy week in Salamanca

March 10, 2010 (PRLEAP.COM) Travel News
LateRooms.com reports people who have booked Salamanca hotels during Semana Santa, or holy week, may find that other cities and towns around the region could offer a different perspective on the celebrations.

The nationwide festival marks the death and resurrection of Christ, with a host of events taking place all over Spain.

Although Salamanca has plenty of its own holy week traditions to keep visitors in the city amused - such as the giant picnic on Water Monday - some may want to visit the neighbouring city of Valldolid for its main procession on Good Friday.

Following a religious service in the morning, fraternity members take to the streets for the parade featuring 31 floats, many of which were constructed in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Tourists should look out for the oldest and largest of these, which is also one of the most symbolic, as it depicts the erection of the cross.

Usually, the large wooden carving is displayed in the city's Museo Nacional de Escultura (National Museum of Sculpture) but during Semana Santa it takes to the streets for all to see.

The parade ends when the statue of the Virgen de las Angustias is carried into its temple to the sound of revellers singing the Salve Popular.

If you're heading to the Semana Santa celebrations this year, we strongly advise that you book your hoteles Salamanca as soon as possible, given the huge popularity of the event.