What is Semana Santa?

Semana Santa is a celebration that locals spend all year preparing for. For one
week, processions take over the streets as a tribute to the Passion of Jesus
Christ. It is celebrated all over Spain and many people say it dates as far back
as the 12th century. The Seville celebration has existed since at least the 16th
century but is believed to have existed even earlier.
When is Semana Santa?

Holy week takes place the week leading up to Easter, from Palm Sunday to Easter

Sunday. As one of the city’s most important holidays, children are on vacation from

school and many bars and restaurants close so everyone can take part in the

festivities.
How is Holy Week celebrated?

There are parts of the Semana Santa tradition that are common across the whole country. However,
certain cities have their own unique way to celebrate Holy Week. In Seville and Málaga, the
enormous statues (pasos) originally had an educational function and put an image to the passages
of The Bible. The people who walk the processions with the float are performing an act of penance,
repenting their sins. These days, it’s considered an honor to be a part of the processions.
Hermandad

Each of the 115+ churches in Seville has a brotherhood (hermandad) associated

with it. These locals are in charge of the social calendar of the church, especially the
organization of the major Holy Week procession. Being part of a brotherhood isn’t a
profession, just a sign of the extreme dedication of the locals to the tradition itself.
El Paso
The enormous pasos (floats that make up the procession) make a pilgrimage through the city. Each

paso is an artistic representation of some part of the story of The Passion. Leaving their church,

these statues, some of which are over 300 years old, wander through the streets. Some processions

last upwards of 12 hours. What’s even more incredible is that the floats are actually carried by

devoted locals!
Costaleros
Costaleros, so named because of the white protective garment (el costal) they wear on their heads, take the
weight of the float and carry it through the city. These locals are members of the church’s brotherhood
(hermandad). There are between 20 to 40 costaleros per float and they practice all year round, even in the
extreme heat of August. Believe it or not, each year a special section of the hospital opens up to treat
costalero injuries. Understandable given the floats can weigh up to a ton! While some processions are very
long, costaleros will switch out every hour or two to take a bit of a break.
Nazarenos
Other participants in the processions include the nazarenos, wearing perhaps the most controversial dress of the
celebration. The robe worn by these penitents doesn’t draw much attention. The same can not be said for the conical
hood (capirote) which bears a striking resemblance to the dress worn by the K.K.K. Rest assured, no connection exists
between the two traditions.

The unique dress was born from a desire to repent sins without revealing your identity, as the hood leaves only the
wearer’s eyes on display. There can be up to a whopping 3,000 nazarenos participating in some of the bigger
processions. Given their mysterious look, many nazarenos will carry bags of sweets and give them to kids as they go
by so they know they’re friendly.
La Mantilla
Women wear this intricate headpiece towards the end of the Semana Santa celebrations. These
beautifully woven lace veils are exceptionally detailed. Women often seek professional help to fit
them in place, as you have to weave your hair around the comb to keep it in place—not easy.

Esta es mi madre cuando era

joven vestida de mantilla.
La Saeta

La Saeta is a traditional religious song you will hear at a certain point during the procession. This
emotive, acapella performance is a highlight of Semana Santa in Seville for many locals. To
sing the saeta is an honor, and only the best local performers get the sought-after opportunity.
However, to witness it should be appreciated just as much. Hearing the angst of the performer in
the presence of the paso as the entire crowd stands in complete silence is spectacular.
La Madrugá

The most significant night of the Semana Santa tradition is Holy Thursday leading into
Good Friday. Madrugá comes from the Spanish word madrugada meaning early morning.
Appropriate given processions run all night long through to the next day. One of the most
important processions during this night is the Macarena, which also happens to be one of
the biggest and most-watched of the whole celebration.
VÍDEOS
Málaga
Málaga
Antonio Banderas
en Málaga
Málaga
Sevilla
Sevilla
Sevilla
Sevilla