When spring arrives in Adeje, the town undergoes a remarkable transformation. Streets fill with music, tradition comes alive in vibrant color, and locals prepare to honor one of the most important events in the Christian calendar—Semana Santa, or Holy Week.
From solemn processions to open-air theatre, Adeje’s Semana Santa is a moving experience that blends centuries-old religious devotion with local culture and community spirit. Whether you’re a believer or simply curious about Canarian traditions, this is a week that invites you in.
✝️ A Living Tradition Since the 16th Century
The origins of Semana Santa in Adeje date back to 1561, when the town’s early religious authorities and noble families began organizing events to commemorate the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Over time, what began as simple religious ceremonies evolved into a weeklong celebration involving art, music, theatre, and ritual. While the core message of Semana Santa remains spiritual, the way Adeje expresses it is uniquely creative and deeply rooted in community involvement.
🎭 The Passion of Adeje – Where Faith Becomes Theatre
The most iconic event of Holy Week in Adeje is without a doubt The Passion of Adeje, performed each year on Good Friday at noon. This open-air play, staged along the main street Calle Grande, brings to life the final hours of Jesus Christ in dramatic fashion.
What makes it extraordinary is that it’s performed entirely by local volunteers—over 300 amateur actors participate, including children, elders, and entire families. Since it began in 1996, the event has grown into a full-scale production, complete with costumes, props, live animals, and sound design.
Spectators follow the story from the Last Supper, through the Betrayal, Trial, Crucifixion, and final Resurrection, all within the streets of the town. It’s a powerful moment—not only because of the story being told, but because of how deeply it reflects the heart of the Adeje community.
Even if you’ve never witnessed a Passion play before, this event is likely to leave a lasting impression.
🕯️ Sacred Processions and Local Rituals
Throughout Holy Week, Adeje hosts a series of solemn processions, each rooted in Catholic tradition and enriched by Canarian culture. These processions carry religious statues (some centuries old), accompanied by traditional music, candles, and followers dressed in ceremonial robes.
Not-to-Miss Processions:
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Palm Sunday (April 13): The Blessing of the Palms and joyful daytime procession.
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Tuesday, April 15: The Encounter – two processions that meet dramatically in the town center, recreating Jesus’s meeting with the Virgin Mary.
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Good Friday (April 18): The Holy Burial – a silent, moving nighttime procession through the streets.
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Easter Sunday (April 20): A joyful celebration of the Resurrection, filled with music, flowers, and festive spirit.
Each procession has its own unique emotional tone—from the joy of Palm Sunday to the deep silence of the Holy Burial—offering a full spectrum of spiritual and cultural experiences.
🕰️ A Bit of History
Semana Santa in Adeje reflects not only Catholic tradition but also the history of the Canary Islands’ religious and cultural identity. The celebrations were promoted in part by the Marquises of Adeje during the Spanish colonization, and many of the rituals have been preserved almost unchanged for centuries.
The Church of Santa Úrsula—home to many of the sacred statues used in the processions—stands as a symbol of continuity. The statues, some from the 18th century, are carried through the streets during Holy Week on elaborately decorated platforms, often weighing hundreds of kilos.
The combination of history, art, and devotion makes Semana Santa a rich cultural event—even for visitors unfamiliar with the religious aspects.
📅 Semana Santa 2025 – Event Calendar (Adeje)
Here’s a preview of the upcoming Semana Santa events in Adeje, based on official releases and past years’ traditions:
| Date | Event | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, April 5 | Proclamation of Holy Week + Exhibition Opening | El Barranco Art Space | 7:00 PM |
| Sun, April 13 | Palm Sunday – Blessing of Palms & Procession | Church of Santa Úrsula | 10:00 AM |
| Tue, April 15 | The Encounter Procession (Jesus meets Mary) | Streets of Adeje | 8:30 PM |
| Thu, April 17 | Maundy Thursday – Mass of the Lord’s Supper + Holy Hour | Main churches in Adeje | From 6:00 PM |
| Fri, April 18 | The Passion of Adeje (Live open-air performance) | Calle Grande | 12:00 PM |
| Fri, April 18 | Procession of the Holy Burial | Town center | 8:00 PM |
| Sat, April 19 | Holy Saturday Vigil Mass | Local churches | Evening |
| Sun, April 20 | Easter Sunday – Resurrection Mass & Festive Procession | Church of Santa Úrsula | Morning |
Tip: arrive at least 30–45 minutes early for the Passion play or any major procession. These events attract large crowds.
🧳 Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re a history buff, a cultural explorer, or simply seeking something meaningful during your holiday, Semana Santa in Adeje offers a rare opportunity to witness a living tradition in one of Tenerife’s most vibrant communities.
For more details, updates, and the full official program, visit the Semana Santa section on Adeje’s town website.
