As we are sure our readers are aware, Spain is a VERY Catholic country and religious events are a big deal.
Easter, also known as Semana Santa (Holy Week) is one such major religious and cultural event.
The week is filled with processions where religious brotherhoods
carry pasos (floats) through the streets. The floats are elaborate displays of
religious imagery and usually depict either Christ or the Virgin Mary.
The floats are very heavy and the men, and sometimes women, carrying them must take frequent breaks during the long processions.
Along with the floats, participants dress in traditional
clothes and are accompanied by marching bands which set the pace for the people
carrying the floats. Some of the marchers hand out candies to the spectators as
they proceed.
And then there are the Nazarenos (penitents) who are dressed
in robes and hoods. Remind you of anything? The hoods symbolize
The processions occur throughout the week and on a set
schedule. This all culminates on Sunday when the brotherhoods march down the
main thoroughfare in the city, one after another. Seating is set up along the
sides as the processions last for hours and hours.
Kind of puts our celebration in the US to shame, don’t you think?
Salud!
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