Calatrava Passion Route Granted International Tourist Interest Status

International

Spain recognizes centuries-old Easter celebration as a landmark of cultural tourism

Spain's Ministry of Industry and Tourism has officially declared the Calatrava Passion Route a Festival of International Tourist Interest, recognizing one of the country's most distinctive Easter celebrations for its outstanding cultural heritage, historical significance and international appeal. The designation makes it the seventh Festival of International Tourist Interest in Castilla-La Mancha and the 90th nationwide.

Ten municipalities unite for a unique Easter experience

During Holy Week, the Calatrava Passion Route brings together the municipalities of Aldea del Rey, Almagro, Bolaños de Calatrava, Calzada de Calatrava, Granátula de Calatrava, Miguelturra, Moral de Calatrava, Pozuelo de Calatrava, Torralba de Calatrava and Valenzuela de Calatrava. From Holy Wednesday through Easter Sunday, visitors can experience some of the most representative expressions of popular religious tradition in the Campo de Calatrava region through a coordinated cultural and tourism itinerary.

Centuries of tradition preserved

The celebration traces its origins to the Vera Cruz brotherhoods and the traditions established in the territory of the Order of Calatrava during the 16th and 17th centuries. Over the centuries, these customs have evolved into a distinctive cultural identity while preserving a rich tangible and intangible heritage passed down from generation to generation.

Among the event's most distinctive features are the traditional armaos or Roman companies, Passion reenactments, the Juego de las Caras (Game of the Faces), marching bands, local craftsmanship, regional gastronomy and numerous other cultural expressions that make Holy Week in Campo de Calatrava a unique heritage and ethnographic experience.

Recognition of long-term cooperation

The State Secretariat for Tourism highlighted the continuity of the celebration, its strong community participation and the successful cooperation between the ten participating municipalities. It also acknowledged the joint promotional efforts that have strengthened the route's national and international profile since it was first designated a Festival of Regional Tourist Interest in 2007 and later a Festival of National Tourist Interest in 2016.

"This declaration recognizes the efforts of entire generations to preserve a cultural expression of extraordinary value and helps strengthen the international appeal of Spain's intangible heritage and cultural tourism offering," said Rosario Sánchez, Spain's Secretary of State for Tourism.

Boost for cultural tourism

According to the Ministry, the new designation supports Spain's strategy to diversify its tourism offering by promoting authentic cultural events that contribute to local economic development while preserving and showcasing the country's rich cultural heritage. Festivals of International Tourist Interest are regarded as one of Spain's most important instruments for promoting its traditional celebrations and recognizing events that have achieved significant international recognition.