Semana Santa in Seville

From Malaga I took the train to Seville. I arrived on Thursday of Holy Week and left on Easter Sunday. Seville is city known for its Semana Santa celebrations and processions. I was able to view several of the processions throughout the weekend. I did not view them all because there are so many. On some days they start at 3pm and end at 6am and not all of them are advertised. A procession usually consisted of several hundred people marching through the street all wearing the same robe and mask. They belong to a brotherhood, some of which have existed for centuries. These people carry large candles (like 3 or 4 feet tall), while other carry banners, rule books or a staff bearing the brotherhood crest. The people in the procession are usually silent. Sometimes there are bands that will play different songs. Each brotherhood has its own procession. Also in the procession there are giant floats that are carried by 30-40 men. These usually depict something like Jesus carrying the cross, Jesus crucified, Jesus being taken down from the cross, etc. In every procession there are two different floats that have the Blessed Mother. In front of the float there are usually about 4 men that carry incents. Each procession is different and as it passes each church they add something different. It is an extremely peaceful experience because of respect everyone is quiet as each float passes. It is amazing to see the thousands of people, from infants to the elderly in wheelchairs, whom line the streets each time. It was an incredible experience.

To see more pictures click here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2057570&id=21204555&l=e04a5c377d