If there’s one special day on the Alicante calendar, it’s Santa Faz in Alicante. We’re not just talking about a pilgrimage, but a tradition with centuries of history that combines devotion, popular culture, and a unique festive atmosphere.
For us, it’s clear: experiencing Santa Faz is understanding Alicante from within. It’s waking up early, walking among thousands of people, sharing laughter, food, tradition… and ending the day with the feeling of having participated in something authentic, original, and different.
In this article, we’re going to tell you not only about the route, times, and how to get there, but also all those traditions and plans that make this day much more than just a walk.
Santa Faz in Alicante: route, times, and how to get there
The Santa Faz pilgrimage in Alicante is celebrated on the second Thursday after Easter and is one of Spain’s most popular pilgrimages; this year it takes place on April 16. Thousands of people walk about 8 kilometers from the city center to the Santa Faz Monastery.
But it’s not just the journey that’s interesting. What truly makes this day special are the traditions, the atmosphere, and everything that happens before, during, and after the route.
The Santa Faz Route: much more than walking
The Santa Faz route traditionally starts from the center of Alicante, near the Co-Cathedral of San Nicolás.
From there, a human tide moves towards the monastery amidst songs, jokes, groups of friends, and entire families. It’s not a silent walk; quite the opposite: it’s a celebration in motion. In addition, numerous political, cultural, and social figures gather from early morning to enjoy this day.
One of the most characteristic elements is the famous “paraeta,” a stop halfway where many take the opportunity to eat, drink something, and rest. Here, it’s typical to try anise rolls with a small glass of mistela, and it’s also free.
During the route, it’s also common to see people carrying canes with rosemary, one of the most recognizable symbols of this pilgrimage, along with the Santa Faz scarf.
And here’s a practical tip: if you start from the center, it’s best to do so without unnecessary burdens or valuables. At LOCK & enjoy!, we have lockers in Luceros where you can leave everything you don’t need. Keep in mind that this festivity lasts all day, and it’s 8 kilometers there and another 8 back, assuming you decide to walk both ways.
Santa Faz Traditions: what you can’t miss
Santa Faz is full of small details that make all the difference.
One of the most important is the veneration of the relic in the monastery. Many pilgrims queue to enter and see the Santa Faz, while others prefer to enjoy the atmosphere outside.
It’s also a tradition to carry rosemary canes, which are blessed and become a symbolic souvenir of the day.
Another key tradition is food. This day is also lived around gastronomy: groups of friends gathering to eat together, families organizing their day around food… it’s all part of the plan. Likewise, near the monastery, there are numerous fields where it’s common to see people picnicking.
And we can’t forget the festive atmosphere: music, laughter, unexpected encounters… it’s a day when Alicante is completely transformed.
Santa Faz Times: how to organize your day without missing anything
The Santa Faz times in Alicante are not strict, but there are key moments to keep in mind.
Most people start the route between 7:00 and 9:00 in the morning. The earlier you leave, the calmer the path will be, and the easier it will be to enjoy the atmosphere without large crowds.
Arrival at the monastery usually occurs mid-morning, though it depends on your pace. Once there, you can decide whether to enter, rest, or continue with your day.
Many extend the day throughout the afternoon, either in the monastery area or gradually returning to Alicante.
What to do during Santa Faz: plans beyond the pilgrimage
One of the great successes of this day is that it’s not all limited to the route.
For example, you can combine the walk with moments of rest along the way, enjoy the “paraeta” as an experience in itself, or even plan the day as a mix of tradition and leisure.
Around the monastery, a very lively atmosphere is created, with food stalls, music, and a funfair. Near the monastery, there are numerous stalls selling all kinds of things: gifts, typical sweets, religious items, cured meats, etc. Keep in mind that many local businesses from other parts of Spain come to this festivity to sell their products.
It’s also common to see groups organizing their own plan: they bring food, sit in designated areas, and turn the pilgrimage into a kind of giant picnic.
If you prefer something quieter, you can focus on the route, enjoy the atmosphere, and return whenever you feel like it. There’s no single way to experience Santa Faz, and that’s precisely what makes it so special.
How to get to Santa Faz: different options depending on your plan
If you’re wondering how to get to Santa Faz in Alicante, you have several alternatives.
The most popular option is still to walk the route from the center, but you can also arrive by public transport if you prefer to avoid the walk. However, the main road connecting the center of Alicante with this hamlet is closed in both directions, so conventional transport is not the best option.
Another interesting option is to start walking and return by transport, or vice versa. This way, you can adapt the plan to your pace and energy.
The Santa Faz in Alicante is much more than a pilgrimage. It’s tradition, it’s culture, it’s sharing, and it’s experiencing the city from a different perspective. From the route to the traditions, including the food, the atmosphere, and improvised plans, everything is part of a unique experience. So our advice is clear: let yourself go, participate, enjoy, and live the day without rushing. And remember, choose one of our lockers in Alicante and forget about your valuables for the day.
