The Passion of Cervera

What is the Passion of Cervera?

The Passion of Cervera is a sacred-musical drama that takes place every year in the town of Cervera, in the province of Lleida. Specifically in the Gran Teatre de la Passió de Cervera. The performance takes place during Easter Week and the days before.

The show consists of a series of scenes that recreate the main episodes in the life of Jesus, from his triumphal entry into Jerusalem to his crucifixion and resurrection.

The Passion of Cervera is the oldest show in Europe with more than five centuries of history, with the participation of more than three hundred actors and is performed in the Great Passion Theatre, with a capacity for about two thousand spectators. This theatrical representation of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is one of the most spectacular and visual that can be found.

Over the years, the performance has been constantly improved and renovated, adapting to new realities and times without losing its sense of majesty and mystery. The theatre has three stage entrances and both the lighting and the sets convey the power of the text and the music that accompanies the performance.

It dates back to 1477, where the first references to its performances can be found in books from common periods preserved in the Segarra Regional Archive, where the original manuscripts of the Passion of 1534 written by the presbyters Pere Ponç and Baltasar Sança, the only ones in mediaeval Catalan, are also kept. The representations were written and performed in Catalan to make the Gospel, which was recited in the masses only in Latin, more comprehensible. At first, the text was written to be performed only on Good Friday, but it was expanded with more scenes in order to fill the entire Holy Week with liturgical acts, so that the parishioners would better understand the suffering of Jesus and the meaning of the celebrations.

The Holy Week re-enactments include the Entry into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday morning), the Council against Christ (Palm Sunday afternoon), the Convent of Lazarus (Easter Monday), the Passion (Good Friday morning), the Descent into Hell (Good Friday afternoon), the Penitents of John and Magdalene (Holy Saturday) and the Descent from the Cross (Holy Saturday).

The first text of Cervera's Passion plays was "Misteri de Passió", written by Pere Ponç and Baltasar Sança in 1534 and used for more than three centuries. From the 19th century onwards, performances of "La Santa Passió", written by the monk of Montserrat Fra Anton De Sant Jeroni, began, where the show was performed on a stage in front of the main square of Cervera.

How to attend the Passion Play

There are different passes over a period of time, which varies each year. It is important to book tickets to be able to attend and to consult the existing prices.

What to see in Cervera

Cervera is a town with a rich history and cultural heritage, so there are many things to see and do in the town. Some of the most outstanding places and attractions in Cervera are:

• The Old Town: Cervera has a very well preserved old town, which has been declared a Historic-Artistic Site. Strolling through its cobbled streets and admiring the architecture of the buildings is a unique experience.
• The University of Cervera: Founded in 1717, the University of Cervera is one of the oldest in Spain and has an interesting historical and artistic heritage. Its Assembly Hall, with its spectacular baroque decoration, stands out.
• The Museum of Cervera: This museum is dedicated to the history and cultural heritage of the city and has an important collection of sacred art and objects related to Easter Week.
• The Manresana Tower: This tower is one of the symbols of the city and is located in the historic centre. From the top of the tower you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings.
• The church of Santa María: This church is one of the oldest in the city and has an impressive collection of sacred art, as well as a spectacular baroque altarpiece.

Cervera also has a wide range of gastronomic offerings and a wide variety of cultural events and festivities throughout the year.

Crafts and recommended shopping

Cervera has a long tradition in the production of crafts and local products, so there are many shopping options for those visiting the town. Some of the most recommended purchases in Cervera are:

• Ceramics: Ceramics is one of the most outstanding crafts in Cervera, with a long tradition in the production of plates, vases, cups and other decorative objects. Cervera pottery is characterised by its traditional style and its use of bright, vivid colours.
• Sausages: Sausages are another popular local product in the area, especially butifarra sausage, which is made in a traditional way in numerous butcher's shops in the town.
• Wines: As we have already mentioned, Cervera is located in a wine-growing region with designation of origin, so you will be able to find numerous high-quality wines to take home.
• Sweets and pastries: Pastries are another of Cervera's outstanding products, with numerous establishments that make cocas, cakes, biscuits and other typical local sweets.
• Leather crafts: Leather is another of the most popular materials used in local crafts, with numerous workshops and shops offering products such as bags, wallets, belts and other accessories.

In Cervera you will find numerous establishments and markets where you can buy these and other local and handmade products.

What to eat in Cervera

The gastronomy of Cervera is very rich and varied, with a large number of typical dishes and local products. Some of the most popular dishes you can try in the town are:

• Xató: This is one of the most typical dishes of the area and consists of a salad with endive, cod, tuna, anchovies and a special sauce called "romesco sauce".
• Olla de Cervera: This is a stew that includes different types of meat and vegetables, such as sausage, ribs, beans, chickpeas, among others.
• Carn d'olla: A meat and vegetable soup that is usually served as a starter.
• Pa de pessic: A light, spongy sponge cake made with flour, sugar, eggs and yeast.
• Cocas dulces: These are typical local pastries made with puff pastry and filled with cream or angel's hair.
• Wines from the D.O. Costers del Segre: Cervera is located in a wine-growing region with denomination of origin, so you cannot miss tasting some of its wines.

In Cervera you will find numerous restaurants and bars where you can try these and other typical local dishes.