There are moments when time seems to stand still. The night of Holy Thursday in the Empordà village of Verges is undoubtedly one of them. The Procession of Verges is far more than a simple religious procession: it is a representation of the traditional Passion miracle play, rooted in the origins of medieval Catalan theatre. An experience that combines contemplation, artistry and a staging powerful enough to send shivers down the spine. What makes the Procession of Verges so special? The town transforms itself to commemorate Holy Week and, more specifically, an episode from the life of Christ: his Passion. It does so with elements that are difficult to find anywhere else in the world. The Procession of Verges, declared a Festival of National Heritage Interest, mobilises a large part of the local community and attracts thousands of visitors every year from far and wide. A day that captivates from the very first moment The day unfolds gradually, inviting visitors to experience it step by step and to follow the rhythm of the village and its traditions. In the morning, Carrer Orient and Carrer Migdia are transformed into the Street of the Snails. Along these two long, narrow streets, residents prepare small lamps made from snail shells which will later be lit as the procession passes through at night. In the afternoon, one of the most striking moments takes place: the Sortida de les Manages, when the Roman soldiers parade through the village collecting the various floats — or mysteries — that will take part in the evening procession. At night, there are a series of spectacular acts, divided into three parts: the representation of the three years of Jesus’s public life (in the main square), the Procession through the streets, and the Crucifixion of Christ on Calvary. It is during this final moment that one of the most spectacular highlights takes place: the famous Dance of Death. The soul of the party: the Dance of Death It is one of the most eagerly anticipated moments of the celebration. Although it has medieval origins, its present-day staging dates from the Baroque period. This dance is a unique cultural jewel that reminds us of the presence of death and the passing of time. Death as a theme has long appeared in literature, music, painting and religion, and all of these traditions converge in this dance of striking, almost hypnotic beauty. Five skeletons dance to the rhythmic, almost trance-like beat of a drum beneath the flickering light of torches. Each figure carries its own symbolism: the leader holding a large scythe; the standard-bearer carrying a black flag; and the other skeletons bearing plates of ashes or a clock without hands. It is a powerful image, visually beautiful and deeply evocative, connecting spectators with history and the past in an almost mystical way. Verges beyond the Procession Verges is a village with an authentic Empordà character that deserves to be discovered at an unhurried pace. With the presence of the Montgrí Massif and the nearby Ter River, the setting invites visitors to wander through its streets before the celebrations begin and to be captivated by the landscapes of the Empordà plain thanks to a network of hiking routes and other active tourism experiences to be enjoyed. Practical information about the Procession of Verges and the Dance of Death Location: Verges. Audience: Suitable for all audiences (for families with children, please note that many of the performances take place at night). How to get there: by public transport, with services operated by the SARFA and AMPSA bus companies from Figueres and La Bisbal d’Empordà. By private vehicle, from Girona via the N-IIA and then the GI-633; from Figueres, via the N-IIA and then the C-31; from Barcelona via the AP-7, exit 6 (Girona Nord).