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Gandia Hosts National Semana Santa Gathering as Archbishop Warns Against Secularization

The meeting spotlights living heritage with the city pressing for BIC status for the medieval Visitatio Sepulchri.

Overview

  • Nearly 500 representatives from cofradías across Spain are registered for the XXXVI Encuentro running through 28 September.
  • The opening at the UPV campus brought together Mayor José Manuel Prieto, Archbishop Enrique Benavent and provincial president Vicent Mompó.
  • Saturday’s program features the Visitatio Sepulchri at 13:00 at the Escola Pia and a parade of bands at 19:00.
  • Two exhibitions launched the cultural agenda: three decades of award‑winning Holy Week photography at Sala Coll Alas and a display on local brotherhoods along the paseo de las Germanies.
  • Lectures by economist Joan Sapena and art historian Ximo Company opened the academic track as Gandia marks the Junta Mayor’s 70th year and 30 years since hosting its first Encuentro.