Semana Santa - Seville

On April 15th to the 24th, the romantic city of Seville is transformed into a epic stage displaying religious devotion and penitence. Known as Holy Week, Semana Santa is considered to be the most important religious event of the year. During all hours of the day and night, the tangled city streets become filled with cloaked men, women and children taking part in one of the many processionals. Each of the fifty-nine brotherhoods completes a twelve hour walk carrying images from their home church, to the Cathedral in the center of town. The first of the images is a decorative cross, generally followed by hundreds of cross bearing and often barefoot Spaniards. Next, is a representation of Christ enacting one of the final stages of the cross. Finally, the Virgin Mary is carried in, surrounded in a glow of lit candles and introduced by the solemn music of the band. The processionals make their way back to their home church and with a dramatic entrance, accompanied by an emotional acapella performance, the century old images return home blessed and surrounded by a forgiven congregation.

Links

• Website: http://www.sol.com/semana-santa/index.htm
• Website: http://www.semana-santa.org/