The Rompida de la Hora (Breaking of the Hour) at Easter in Albalate del Arzobispo (Teruel, Aragon)

12 Apr 2025 - 20 Apr 2025

Easter Week in Albalate del Arzobispo

Name: Easter Week in Albalate del Arzobispo
Start: 2025-04-12T13:00
End: 2025-04-20T13:00
Location: Easter Week in Albalate del Arzobispo

Festivity of International Tourist Interest

Albalate del Arzobispo

Teruel

Albalate del Arzobispo in Teruel is one of the nine villages on the Easter Drums Route.

Throughout Easter Week, the roll and rumble of these instruments invade every corner of these towns in southern Aragon. The most awaited moment of these celebrations in Albalate del Arzobispo is the “rompida de la hora” (breaking of the hour) at midnight on Maundy Thursday leading into Good Friday. Hundreds of people playing drums congregate in the square and, when midnight strikes, they start to play in unison, filling the night with thunder. On Good Friday morning, on the Way of the Cross procession, the drums accompany the figure of Christ around the streets. And on the same day at dusk, the Holy Burial procession takes place with all the processional sculptures and lay brotherhoods, preceded by the unmistakable sound of drums marking the pace.

Easter week is one of the most heartfelt and deep-rooted fiestas celebrated in Spain. Its history and tradition go back many centuries, and commemorate the passion and death of Jesus Christ. The streets of many of Spain's cities, towns and villages are transformed into scenes of religious fervour and devotion, where grief and meditation are combined as Christ's death is relived. Music, art and colour come together in these magical processions –solemn parades in which throngs of people accompany the religious images on their route through the streets.