Every year, on the second Thursday after Maundy Thursday — a couple of weeks after Easter — Alicante hosts one of the most remarkable religious and cultural events in Spain: the Santa Faz Pilgrimage. More than 300,000 people take part in the 8-kilometre walk from the heart of the city to a quiet monastery just outside town, drawn by history, faith, camaraderie… and a rather extraordinary story about a humble piece of cloth.
The Story of the Holy Veil of Veronica
The roots of the Santa Faz Pilgrimage lie in Christian legend. According to tradition, a woman named Veronica used her veil to wipe the blood and sweat from Christ’s face as he carried the cross. Miraculously, his image was imprinted onto the cloth. This relic — the so-called Veil of Veronica — eventually found its way to Alicante.
In 1489, during a crippling drought, the cloth was paraded through the countryside by desperate locals praying for rain. As the priest carrying it approached what is now the Santa Faz Monastery, a tear is said to have appeared on the veil. Days later, the rains came. A miracle? Maybe. Either way, the tradition stuck — and has only grown over the centuries.
What Happens on the Day
The modern Santa Faz Pilgrimage is a blend of devotion, tradition, and a good dose of local flair. Pilgrims gather early at the Plaza de Santa Faz in central Alicante — a lovely square worth visiting even outside of the event — and begin the journey eastward.
Some carry wooden walking sticks wrapped in rosemary sprigs. Others walk barefoot. Many just show up in trainers and sunhats with bottles of water and a few snacks. Along the way, temporary stalls known as paraetas sell anise rolls, coffee, sweet pastries, and the occasional cheeky beer. If you’re sociable, it’s a brilliant opportunity to meet people. You’ll see families, school groups, pensioners, and even the odd dog trotting along.
Where is the Holy Cloth Now?
The relic itself — the Santa Faz — is housed in a fortified niche inside the Monasterio de Santa Faz, a baroque building about 8km from the city centre, near Muchamiel. It’s not always on full display, but visitors can view it during special services and at certain times of year. On the day of the pilgrimage, it’s paraded on the steps of the church in a golden reliquary, and mass is held on the square outside.
Getting There (and Back)
You don’t have to walk — although if you’re up for the challenge, it’s a fairly easy 8km stroll. Just wear comfy shoes. The route is mostly flat and takes around two hours at a gentle pace.
To return to Alicante, many people hop on the number 27 bus, which runs from the monastery area back to the city centre. During the Santa Faz Pilgrimage, additional transport is usually laid on to help with the surge of returning pilgrims.
Make the Most of It With Our Self-Guided Audio Tour
If you want to really get under the skin of the city before (or after) your pilgrimage, we’ve created a self-guided walking tour of Alicante that you can do at your own pace. It starts near the city centre and weaves through some of the most fascinating and beautiful parts of town — including a stop in the Plaza de Santa Faz, where the pilgrimage begins.
🎧 Click here to try the tour on VoiceMap
It’s perfect for visitors who like a bit of history with their tapas and sea views — and yes, we cover the Santa Faz Pilgrimage in the tour too.
Why It’s Worth Doing
Whether you’re religious or not, the Santa Faz Pilgrimage is one of those uniquely local events that offers a glimpse into the soul of a place. It’s centuries-old, rooted in legend, and still manages to bring out a genuine community spirit. You might go for the story, the walk, or just the atmosphere — but you’ll come away feeling like you were part of something very Alicante.
And hey, if the walk feels too much? There’s a bus, a beer (or possibly a Mojito), and plenty of shade at the end.
