The Empalaos is a pilgrimage that takes place on Good Fridays in Valverde de la Vera, a village in the agricultural region of Extremadura, Spain.

This ritual, comes from time immemorial, it is believed to have existed already with the Vetons, who were Celtic warriors, and had survived throughout history by adapting to different life styles, as happened when the Romans were in Spain. They did so by transforming into peasants and Christians. It also survived clandestinely after a ban imposed by King Carlos III in 1877. Its practice was allowed again in 1963.

The reason to make this pilgrimage is a promise made voluntarily by either the Empalao or the Nazareno, who is a female. They never reveal the promise to anyone and cover their faces with a white lace veil, remaining anonymous. Those who see them in their via-crucis stand paying deep respect to their pain and suffering. In the company of their Cirineo (someone who helps the Empalao) they go round the village to see 17 crosses located in Valverde and bow every time they reach one.

The via-crucis lasts for about 45 minutes. As soon as they finish, the ropes and clothes are removed and a quick massage is applied with alcohol to restore blood circulation to normal.