Not only Seville and Malaga. Holy Week in Spain may surprise Poles

For centuries Spain was considered one of the most Catholic countries in Europe. Currently, the situation has changed a lot. The Spaniards are elderly and considered a progressive and very liberal society in ideological issues. However, they seem to forget about it during the Holy Week. Easter is experienced much stronger on the Iberian Peninsula and the traditions are carefully cared for and passed down from generation to generation.

Spain. Holy Week attracts tourists from around the world

Depending on the region, Holy Week is celebrated in a very diverse way. What combines the celebrations in every corner of Spain are huge glamor and mysticism. Spectacular processions with monumental figures make an impressive impression.

During these few days in March or April, Spanish cities and towns are filled with a riot of colors. The smell of incense is sipping from the streets, and the ubiquitous flowers and music coming out of wind instruments draw attention. Even without being a believer, it is difficult to pass indifferently next to the celebration of the Holy Week. Because what attracts not only Spaniards, but also tourists from around the world so much is primarily the theater of the celebration of Seman Santa.

Holy Week in Spain. This is what the celebrations look like

The celebration begins on Palm Sunday. The big week is inherent in processions that are organized with a huge momentum. This is a great undertaking that requires long -term preparation. Because here nothing is accidental. Each participant has a special role assigned.

Cross and religious brotherhoods are responsible for organizing the procession coffee. The oldest were created in the 15th century. Each of them is distinguished by its own code, as well as the color of the robes or insignia providing belonging. Membership in such a brotherhood cannot be bought – it is passed down from generation to generation.

One of the most spectacular processions take place in Seville in Andalusia. About 70 brotherhoods take part in them. Attention is caught primarily by Nazarenos dressed in caapiri.e. characteristic penitential robes reminiscent of the outfits of members of KU Klux Klan from afar. These robes have high, conical hoods and loose tunics tied with a string.

The tradition of putting on this type of outfit dates back to medieval times. At that time, they were a symbol of penance by those who were punished by the Inquisition. Some Nazarenos decide to switch to barefoot or with a chain -cut legs.

The processions could not take place without Costalerosi.e. men who carry magnificent religious figures on their shoulders (pasos). Sometimes it is a real challenge because They can weigh up to three tones, which is why they must keep them up to 300 Costaleros.

Giant works of art are usually made of wood and then polychrome, there are also additional silver elements and ivory. Figures are dressed in an elaborate, richly decorated costumes to emphasize the dramaturgy of the Passion even more.

During the procession on the occasion of Holy Thursday and Holy Friday, the participants can also be seen Forest Manolasi.e. women in black, funeral costumes with rosaries in her hands.

Amnestia during Holy Week

Some Spanish cities have their unusual traditions related to Semana Santa. In Malaga, on the occasion of Holy Wednesday, one of the prisoners can count on a unique privilege, which is amnesty. After leaving the prison walls, the convict of a special blessing is given by El Rico, i.e. the figure of Jesus.

This tradition dates back to 1759. It was then that Malaga struggled with the effects of a serious plague. The disease decimated the residents to such an extent that during the procession there had no one to carry religious figures. To help the procession, several prisoners escaped from the prison. After the ceremony, they returned voluntarily behind bars.

Over the next days, the Spaniards rubbed their eyes in amazement, because the plague began to gradually disappear. Therefore, King Karol III allowed one prisoner to release one prisoner during the procession. This custom has also gained immense popularity thanks to the film “Amanecer en Puerta Osura” from 1957.

Symbolic procession in Malaga

Malaga is also famous for one of the most popular processions in all of Spain – Virgen de la Palomawhich takes place on Wednesday preceding Easter. I also have a symbolic story with her. In 1925, during the celebrations preceding Easter, one of the participants released several pigeons.

After a while, it was noticed that one bird sat on Mary’s hand and stayed on it until the very end. This was considered an extremely symbolic gesture, hence the name “de la Paloma” (the word “Paloma” means pigeon in Spanish). Currently, during the procession, penitents release a dozen pigeons and a silver pigeon has permanently appeared on the hand of the Mother of God. The figure is so monumental that nearly 300 men must carry it.

Antonio Banderas at a procession in Spain

For many years In the celebration of the Holy Week in Malaga actively participants of Antonio Banderas. The actor as a member of one of the brotherhoods takes part in processions as Costaleros. In 2015, in an interview with “Paris Match”, the artist admitted that for many people participating in the religious processions of a person known, among others From the controversial films of Pedro Almodovar, it can be a contrast.

– For me it is an extremely important experience. This is immersion into my roots, in the tradition of my family and my country – explained Antonio Banderas.

Extremely original are events organized in Lorce in the Murcia region. The celebrations are referred to as “Blancos y azules” (“white and blue”) to distinguish between two competing brotherhoods. Participants of the procession dress up as Roman gods or emperors, as well as biblical forms.

Attention is drawn to their extremely richly decorated and magnificent outfits. Also in Tarragona located in Catalonia, on the occasion of Holy Friday, a procession is organized in which the Roman cohort can be seen in the crowd.

Holy Week in Spain. SamoBIVING PROCESS TIME

The Holy Week celebrations in the commune are slightly more drastically San Vicente de la Sonsierra in the province of La Rioja. The city streets are filled with so -called picooswho, regardless of severe pain, They make self -made acts of sight with Esparto grass strings.

Only when their skin is injured sufficiently, volunteers can inflict twelve pricks with a piece of beeswax, in which the brown of the glass has previously been embedded. According to traditional beliefs, you can get rid of bad blood in this way.

Large -week traditions also belong tamorradas. Due to its uniqueness, this tradition has been included on the UNESCO list as the intangible cultural heritage of humanity. It involves vigorous beating in the drums, which announces the death of Jesus. The won sounds are divided into secular and religious.

In Tobarra near Albacete the tamorrada lasts over 100 hours. In turn, in Hellin, also located near Albacete, ranges up to 20,000 each year. drums.

Easter. Typical dishes in Spain

Holy Week, however, is not only religious processions and events. In addition to food for the soul, there is also something for the body. Characteristic dishes related to Holy Week and Easter include pestinosi.e. fried pancakes in fat, which are then flavored with anise, honey and oranges.

In the region of Catalonia and Valencia on the guest tables Monas de Pascua – a cake consisting of bread discs showed with candied fruit. Eggs are placed inside.

On the other hand Torrijas It is a dish consisting of bread immersed in milk and egg, which is fried, and then topping with honey or abundantly sprinkled with sugar. Those who are not lovers of sweets can try, among others sopa de ajos (garlic soup) or derived from Andalusia Sopa Potaje de Vigiliain which we will find, among others Cod, hard -boiled eggs and spinach.