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Andalucía is the
southern most province of Spain, home to all of the
quintessential Spanish images of the bullfight, flamenco,
cascading white villages, sherry and hilltop ruined
castles. The province is made up of 8 individual regions;
Malaga, Granada, Sevilla, Cordoba, Almeria, Huelva, Cadiz
and Jaen. Each region has its own principal city which
carries the same name, and has very different characteristics and
traditions which gives each a unique and individual feel. Within our
on-line magazine we want to introduce you to some of the many different
aspects that make up Andalucia and maybe inspire you to visit, bring
back fond memories or even just try a traditional Andalucia meal for
your dinner. Esperamos que te guste!
Semana Santa 2008 (Holy
Week)
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During the seven days of Semana Santa (Holy Week), Andalucía is surrounded by a spiritual halo that is repeated year after year.
The religious fraternities and brotherhoods are those who take the saints on
parade. They have the responsibility of maintaining the statues as well as
coordinating the penitents and musicians. Sometimes up to two thousand members of
the brotherhood take part, some carry candles, rods or banners depending on
their level of seniority. The most senior member of the brotherhood is the
president who carries the gold rod and walks in front of the float.
The "costaleros" who carry the weight of the floats are directed by the
overseer or head of the group who ensures that the floats are carried with maximum
seriousness, grace and tradition. The thrones are followed by "nazarenos"
dressed in tunics, hoods and masks and women dressed in traditional costume.
The high point of the procession is when the float exits and enters the
respective church. This is the moment when art and religion are merged into one.
The sculptures are images created by superb craftsman, the best floats date back
to the 16th and 17th century and can still be seen today.
Emotions are stirred by the show of rhythmic beating of the drums and
professional marches, the swaying paces of the bearers and the poignant wailing
of the of the "seta" which is a sacred song, similar to Flamenco and sung
through the Semana Santa processions.
Malaga and Seville are the two Andaluz cities where the festivities are the
best known for their sense of spectacle and size.
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