Lent is a celebration deeply ingrained in European culture. Across the continent, these forty days are commemorated with a variety of traditions. Despite differences in how these customs are observed, they all share the same objective. Cultural, religious, and popular events born from tradition fill municipal calendars, including the Stations of the Cross, processions of religious images, sacred art exhibitions, hand-kissing ceremonies, public proclamations, open-house days at brotherhood headquarters, processional march concerts, and recitals, among others.

Additionally, Lent represents an invaluable cultural and heritage expression, incorporating religious music concerts, sacred polyphony, and traditional Lenten cuisine. The custom of preparing meat-free dishes and convent sweets is upheld, alongside fasting, which in Serbian Orthodox tradition is known as the Great Fast. More importantly, Lent fosters a vast and deeply rooted social network through various associations, brotherhoods, and confraternities responsible for organizing most of these events. These celebrations also strengthen communal bonds and reinforce the religious and cultural identity of different regions. Many of these centuries-old Lenten traditions are recognized as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity, generating a significant economic impact, particularly in the hospitality, local commerce, and artisan sectors.

Ultimately, Lenten observances in Europe are not only a pillar of Christian faith but also a fundamental part of the history, culture, and social life of many regions across the continent.

Spain: Devotion and Passion in the streets

Spain is one of the countries where Lent is most intensely experienced. In Andalusian towns, some of the most notable events include La Noche de Lumbres y Tambores in Alcalá la Real, the Misereres in Baena, the Stations of the Cross organized by the General Association of Brotherhoods in Cabra, the Exaltation of the Saeta in Carmona, the Open-House Day at the Sacramental Brotherhood Museum of San Gil in Écija, the Miserere and the Pardon and Blessing of Our Father Jesus Nazarene in Lucena, the Stations of the Cross by the Brotherhood Council in Osuna, the procession of the Hermanos de la Aurora in Priego de Córdoba, the Saturdays of the Romans in Puente Genil, and the Holy Week Photography Exhibition in Utrera.

Outside of Andalusia, other noteworthy events include the Lenten Tapas Festival in Viveiro, the first edition of the Lenten Music Week organized by the Paso Azul in Lorca, the Stations of the Cross of the Paso Encarnado, and the Lenten Gastronomic Days in Orihuela.

Portugal: Faith and Popular Tradition

In Portugal, Lent is experienced with a blend of religious fervor and popular expressions. In Braga, the Penitential Procession on the fifth Sunday of Lent is preceded by four Stations of the Cross on the previous Sundays, along with art exhibitions, literary presentations, and conferences featuring renowned experts on the subject.

In Ovar, the Lenten solemnities include numerous events such as the Procession of the Third Order, the Dos Passos Procession, and the Procession of Our Lady of Sorrows. These Lenten processions were introduced in the early 17th century and developed thanks to the work of the Brotherhood of Our Lord of the Steps and the Franciscan Third Order. Today, they remain a living heritage filled with traditions, preserving original and beautiful processions not only because of their antiquity but also due to the way people experience and feel them.

In Óbidos, the Penitential Procession of the Franciscan Third Order, commonly known as the Procession of the Boys, stands out. This procession features nine elaborately decorated floats showcasing some of the principal saints of Franciscan devotion.

In Idanha-a-Nova, at the Church of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia, adjacent to the old hospital, one of the scenes of Christ’s Passion and Death is reenacted every Friday of Lent from the pulpit of the High Altar. A traditional visit is made to Our Lord at the Church of the Misericórdia, where theatrical representations take place, and sculptures or dressed images of Christ of the Steps, the Virgin Mary, Saint John the Evangelist, Saint Mary Magdalene, Ecce Homo, and the Resurrected Christ on the Cross are displayed alongside their accompanying artifacts.

In Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal, Lent is a period of deep religious and cultural significance culminating in Holy Week. From Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday, the city transforms into a living stage commemorating the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ through various activities that blend tradition with modernity.

Croatia: Spirituality and Centuries-Old Traditions

In Croatia, Lent is observed with profound religious devotion and community involvement. In Jelsa, the Lenten Chants Concert is an annual tradition organized by the St. Cecilia Choir to preserve the sacred chants of Hvar’s Holy Week tradition. Meanwhile, in Korčula, prayers, adorations, and preparatory Masses are held in the days leading up to Palm Sunday.

Malta: Devotion and Symbolism

In Birgu, several significant events take place during Lent. A long-standing tradition is the penitential pilgrimage held on the Friday before Holy Week, in which all parishes participate, carrying the statue of Our Lady of Sorrows. Additionally, every Friday during Lent, a small procession takes place where the faithful recite the Rosary while walking.

In Birżebbuġa, the Passio Coelorum REX exhibition features Good Friday Statues. In Gudja, the Procession of Our Lady of Succor is held on the Friday before Palm Sunday.