The celebration of Baena’s Holy Week (Córdoba) has received the designation of International Tourist Interest Festival granted by the State Secretariat for Tourism, after the application submitted by the Baena City Council received a favourable report from the Government of Andalusia and met all the requirements established in the ministerial order governing these distinctions.

Baena’s Holy Week is a celebration whose origin dates back to the 16th century, with the founding of the first penitential brotherhoods. These five uninterrupted centuries of history attest to the depth and emotional roots of a tradition that has become a unique expression of the cultural identity of this community, which today is structured around eight brotherhoods and more than seventy-two sections and confraternities.

The Secretary of State, Rosario Sánchez, highlighted that this recognition shows that Baena’s Holy Week “possesses its own distinctive characteristics that define it as one of the most unique religious celebrations in Spain”, noting that “it transcends its liturgical significance, with civic involvement that proves fascinating for all visitors, both national and international”.

Participation in Baena’s Holy Week has led to the creation of a network of cultural associations that, throughout the year, keep the spirit of the celebration alive in their headquarters and meeting places. One of its distinguishing features is that the sound of its handcrafted drums has been declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO (2023), making it a unique case in international cultural tourism.

Today, women participate with the same relevance as men in the organisation of Baena’s Holy Week. They not only assume essential roles in the preparation and logistics of the processions, but also hold leadership positions, from treasury roles to the presidencies of brotherhoods. This female presence demonstrates the longstanding commitment of Baena’s Holy Week to continuous reflection and to the social and cultural evolution experienced in Baena.

With the designation of Baena’s Holy Week, there are now 86 popular festivals in Spain declared International Tourist Interest Festivals. In the region of Andalusia, it is the twelfth festival to receive this distinction.