Semana Santa in the south of Spain
You can't live in the south of Spain and not mention Semana Santa (or Holy Week which is going on now). Let me start off this post by saying that this isn't really my cup of tea. I appreciate its cultural significance and tradition but I cannot handle the crowds. Seriously, the city center gets crazy this week with people milling about, shoving their baby strollers through crowds, rushing to get to see the next procession. Add to that narrow, winding streets, smokers, heat, rain, etc. and it can get stressful quickly.
Semana Santa here in the south of Spain involves a lot of processions on different days which basically follow the story of Jesus' last days. It officially began yesterday but since it rained most of the day not a lot (if any) of these processions left the churchs where they stay during most of the rest of the year. The religious figures are carried out on the shoulders of penitents and paraded around the city on a decided route so that people can see it and (supposedly) worship, pray, etc. The processions are accompanied by solemn trumpet-heavy music with drums that mark the rhythm and pace of the people carrying the figures.
Here are a few pictures I snapped during my first Semana Santa a few years ago when the weather cooperated and there were salidas:
As you can see, the figures rest on a float-like platform which is quite ornate and beautiful. This is hoisted onto the backs of (usually) men who carry it throughout the city. They practice manuevering and walking in formation so that each procession moves with fluidity. Watching these big platforms make turns in tight spaces is quite a sight to see.
Each religious figure has its own following and there are groups of penitent people called Nazarenos who proceed and follow them throughout the city. Their traditional costume might look familiar to Americans but it has nothing to do with what you are thinking (though the image is quite shocking at first).
The whole experience is religious for many, for others it is a time to see and be seen. There are people who live for this time of year and others like me who might go one or two days. I think it is definitely something to see and can appreciate the work and preparation that goes into the week but don't feel the need to be there all day, every day to see each procession. Hopefully the weather begins to cooperate today and people can enjoy another beautiful Semana Santa in the south of Spain.
Semana Santa here in the south of Spain involves a lot of processions on different days which basically follow the story of Jesus' last days. It officially began yesterday but since it rained most of the day not a lot (if any) of these processions left the churchs where they stay during most of the rest of the year. The religious figures are carried out on the shoulders of penitents and paraded around the city on a decided route so that people can see it and (supposedly) worship, pray, etc. The processions are accompanied by solemn trumpet-heavy music with drums that mark the rhythm and pace of the people carrying the figures.
Here are a few pictures I snapped during my first Semana Santa a few years ago when the weather cooperated and there were salidas:
As you can see, the figures rest on a float-like platform which is quite ornate and beautiful. This is hoisted onto the backs of (usually) men who carry it throughout the city. They practice manuevering and walking in formation so that each procession moves with fluidity. Watching these big platforms make turns in tight spaces is quite a sight to see.
Each religious figure has its own following and there are groups of penitent people called Nazarenos who proceed and follow them throughout the city. Their traditional costume might look familiar to Americans but it has nothing to do with what you are thinking (though the image is quite shocking at first).
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