Semana Santa
Holy Week , or Semana Santa, as it is known is Spain is a jubilant celebration. While it is infamous and quite festive in Seville and Andalucía it is defined by its stunning processions. Each of these processions typically boasts two intensely adorned floats, one of the Virgin Mary and the other of a scene from Christ's Passion. You can not help but be in awe of the lavish decoration of these incredible creations as they slowly pass before you accompanied by the music of coronets and drums. It is hard not to get caught up in the pageantry and emotion of this celebration. Underneath each float, you can barely make out the rows and rows of feet. There are up to forty men, called costaleros, who haul the float on shoulders and control its swaying motion. In fact, they practice so much and are so in sync with each other that the realistic figures on top look as if they were walking along to the music.
Impossible to miss are the seemingly endless rows of nazarenos, or penitents, who walk along with the float. You may even see many nazarenos walking barefoot, which is pretty impressive, considering some of the processions last up to 14 hours. This is to signify their remorse of sins and desire for true penance.
As with any cultural celebration, Spain's elaborate Semana Santa was for centuries a work-in-progress. The starting point for its extensive history is clearly the death of Christ, from which it takes its subject, however the celebration that occurs today is the result of centuries of evolution.
Impossible to miss are the seemingly endless rows of nazarenos, or penitents, who walk along with the float. You may even see many nazarenos walking barefoot, which is pretty impressive, considering some of the processions last up to 14 hours. This is to signify their remorse of sins and desire for true penance.
As with any cultural celebration, Spain's elaborate Semana Santa was for centuries a work-in-progress. The starting point for its extensive history is clearly the death of Christ, from which it takes its subject, however the celebration that occurs today is the result of centuries of evolution.
We are in awe of these celebrations. While it is not our particular custom we have to admire the intensity of feelings and their commitment of this most Holy celebration. Tomorrow we begin to walk the Via de la Plata. We are aware that Semana Santa is celebrated through out Spain and although the customs are a bit different we are excited to be here.
Buen Camino.
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