Summary
Vigilia is a religious practice that consists of abstaining from eating meat on certain days of the liturgical calendar. In this guide: What vigilia is and why we still eat it, When vigilia is observed during Holy Week 2026, What can and cannot be eaten during vigilia.
What vigilia is and why we still eat it
Vigilia is a religious practice that consists of abstaining from eating meat on certain days of the liturgical calendar. Its origin lies in Catholic tradition and dates back to the first centuries of Christianity, when the faithful fasted as penance and spiritual preparation.
Today, many Spanish families—believers or not—maintain the custom of preparing meatless dishes during Holy Week. They do so out of tradition, gastronomic culture, or simply because vigilia dishes are delicious. Cod, chickpea and spinach stews, and fish fritters are part of our collective culinary memory.
Ultimately, vigilia has become a perfect excuse to revive grandmother's recipes, gather the family around the table, and enjoy seasonal cuisine.
When vigilia is observed during Holy Week 2026
The Catholic Church establishes two types of penitential days:
- Days of abstinence: no meat is eaten, but fish, seafood, eggs, and dairy are allowed. These are all Fridays during Lent.
- Days of fasting and abstinence: in addition to not eating meat, meals are limited to one main meal and two lighter ones. This applies on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
In 2026, the key dates are:
- Ash Wednesday: February 18 — fasting and abstinence.
- Lenten Fridays: every Friday from February 20 to March 27 — abstinence.
- Good Friday: April 3 — fasting and abstinence.
In practice, most families concentrate their vigilia meals on Good Friday and, at most, on Holy Thursday. But if you want to follow the complete tradition, there are seven Lenten Fridays plus Ash Wednesday.
What can and cannot be eaten during vigilia
The rule is simple: no meat. This includes beef, pork, chicken, lamb, and cured meats. Everything else is permitted.
Classic vigilia foods include:
- Fish: cod (the undisputed king), hake, sardines, anchovies, monkfish, sea bass.
- Seafood: shrimp, prawns, mussels, clams, squid.
- Legumes: chickpeas, lentils, white beans — the base of vigilia stews.
- Vegetables: spinach, chard, artichokes, asparagus, peppers.
- Eggs and dairy: always permitted.
- Sweets: torrijas (French toast), pestiños (honey fritters), leche frita (fried milk), flores manchegas (flower-shaped fritters).
Salted cod became the star of vigilia for practical reasons: it could be preserved without refrigeration for months, reached every corner of Spain, and was economical. Today we choose it because its flavor and versatility are unrivaled.
Vigilia menu for Good Friday
This is a complete menu for Good Friday, designed for 4-6 people. All dishes can be prepared in advance.
Appetizer:
- Cod fritters with mild aioli. Prepare the dough the night before and fry them just before serving.
First course (choose one):
- Andalusian vigilia stew with chickpeas, spinach, and cod.
- Castilian garlic soup with poached egg.
- Cream of white asparagus with flakes of smoked cod.
Second course (choose one):
- Baked cod with potato gratin and peppers.
- Cod in green sauce with clams.
- Basque hake.
Dessert:
- Milk torrijas with cinnamon. Or pestiños with honey if you prefer the Andalusian style.
Modern vigilia menu (without sacrificing tradition)
If you want to surprise with an updated version, try this menu:
- Starter: desalted cod tartare with avocado, lime, and sesame oil.
- First: roasted cauliflower cream with confit cod flakes.
- Second: low-temperature cod loin (55°C, 18 minutes) with light pil pil sauce and garlic chips.
- Dessert: caramelized torrija with vanilla ice cream.
The key to low-temperature cod is to use thick, premium loins. A 3-4 cm thick loin, well desalted, will be juicy and flake apart. In our store you will find selected pieces from Iceland, perfect for this type of preparation.
How to organize vigilia shopping
Plan 48 hours in advance. Here's the schedule:
3 days before:
- Begin desalting the cod if using salted pieces. Change the water every 8 hours, always in the refrigerator.
- Buy dried legumes and soak them the night before cooking.
2 days before:
- Prepare the stew. Stews taste better the day after.
- Make the fritter dough if you plan to serve them.
1 day before:
- Prepare the torrijas. They rest better after a few hours in the refrigerator.
- Have the sofrito or green sauce for the second course ready.
The same day:
- Cook the main course (baked cod or cod in sauce) just before serving. Fresh cod does not tolerate long reheating.
- Fry the fritters just before serving.
If you prefer the convenience of already desalted cod, ready to cook, at Bacalalo we deliver it to your home within 24-48 hours, vacuum-packed to maintain all its freshness.
Frequently asked questions about Holy Week vigilia
What exact days should vigilia be observed in 2026?
Ash Wednesday (February 18) and all Fridays of Lent, including Good Friday (April 3). That's 8 days in total. Most families only observe it on Good Friday.
Can you eat eggs and cheese during vigilia?
Yes. Abstinence refers only to meat. Eggs, dairy, fish, and seafood are permitted.
Does chicken or ham broth count as meat?
Yes. If the broth is made with chicken bones, ham, or any meat, it is considered meat. Use fish or vegetable broth for your vigilia stews.
Why is cod the fish of Holy Week?
Because salted cod could be preserved for months without refrigeration. It was the only fish that reached inland towns in Spain fresh. Furthermore, it is versatile, economical, and yields a lot: half a kilo can feed an entire family.
How much cod do I need per person?
Estimate 150-200g of desalted cod per person as a main course. If it's for a stew or casserole with legumes, 100-120g per person is sufficient.
Can desalted cod be frozen?
Yes. Once desalted, you can freeze it in portions wrapped in film. It will keep for 2-3 months without losing quality. Thaw it in the refrigerator, never at room temperature.
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