During the Middle Ages, Christianity cohabited with both Judaism and Islam, but since the times of Catholic Kings, it became the compulsory religion of the Spaniards, with the Inquisition ever vigilant of preserving its Roman Catholic orthodoxy right up to the beginning of last century. The 19th century liberal constitutions established religious liberty but during the conservative periods the Catholic religion became the official State one and the only religion whose public manifestation were permitted.

During the last two centuries secularization has been wide spread, although the influence of the Catholic church is still very important.

Practically all Spaniards are Catholic, and, although few actively participate, a good many celebrate, according to the Church's rites, the three ceremonies considered most important by all societies to mark the individual life cycle: birth (baptism), marriage and death. To these a fourth must be added, of recent but very wide tradition among children: the first communion, celebrated between 7 and 10 years of age.

Therefore, both exterior and interior religiosity exist, based on belief and sentiment, however for a minority, there exist another important distinction between personal and popular religion. The centre of this popular religiosity is the devotion to the Virgen Maria and the saints, displayed in prayers, image worship and, above all, in fiestas.