Holy Week
Easter in Spain is not usually called that, but 'Semana Santa' (Holy Week) instead.
As a strongly Catholic country, these traditions have deep roots in Spanish culture; whether one is religious or not, we are all likely to have watched these 'parades' quite a few times every year.
The 'parades', or processions, are held in each city or town every day from Palm Sunday until Easter Sunday, reenacting the relevant scenes each day (ie the Last Supper on the Thursday). The people walking in it are called 'papones', and their face is covered with an upside-down cone or piece of cloth.
Poignant, solemn music accompanies these processions so everyone is walking at the same pace... which is especially important if you're carrying a 'paso', a big sculpture propped on a wooden structure.
The most famous Semana Santa in Spain is that of Sevilla, with amazing sculptures such as the Virgin of the Macarena, of great artistic value.
Have a great Easter everyone!
Esther
Spanish Student Ambassador
As a strongly Catholic country, these traditions have deep roots in Spanish culture; whether one is religious or not, we are all likely to have watched these 'parades' quite a few times every year.
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| A parade, or 'procesión' |
The 'parades', or processions, are held in each city or town every day from Palm Sunday until Easter Sunday, reenacting the relevant scenes each day (ie the Last Supper on the Thursday). The people walking in it are called 'papones', and their face is covered with an upside-down cone or piece of cloth.
 |
| Papones |
Poignant, solemn music accompanies these processions so everyone is walking at the same pace... which is especially important if you're carrying a 'paso', a big sculpture propped on a wooden structure.
 |
| Palm Sunday procession: everyone, especially little kids, carry palm leaves |
The most famous Semana Santa in Spain is that of Sevilla, with amazing sculptures such as the Virgin of the Macarena, of great artistic value.
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| La Virgen de la Macarena, from Sevilla, with rich tapestry and clothes embroidered in gold |
Have a great Easter everyone!
Esther
Spanish Student Ambassador
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