Pasacalle

Pasacalle is a public street parade or musical march conducted through urban streets during festivals or ceremonies. It is typically organized by municipalities, cultural associations, schools, or carnival groups, and may precede, accompany, or constitute a standalone procession. A pasacalle usually features a marching ensemble—often a brass and percussion band—plus dancers, banners, and costumes. The route is announced in advance, and the performance is designed to engage the public, inviting spectators to watch from sidewalks or join along the route.

In many Spanish-speaking countries, pasacalles are an integral part of religious feasts, carnivals, and regional celebrations, including Holy Week processions, patron saint festivities, and national or local festivals. They can vary in scale from small neighborhood events to large municipal demonstrations.

In musical usage, pasacalle can also denote a genre or form of instrumental music that evokes the feel of a street procession. Such pieces may be performed in concert or as part of a festival, often characterized by a steady tempo and martial or ceremonial character.