Holy Week in Granada 2011
Holy Week
is coming to Granada.
Just like every year the capital of Granada
grounds to a halt to make way for ongoing processions making their way through
the city, as well as brotherhood members who march through the streets in
religious fervour. Holy Week in Granada starts well
before Maundy Thursday given that the major as well as the minor processions
kick off on the Sunday before demonstrating their faith and devotion.
The
importance of Holy Week in Granada originates
from the Reconquista (Reconquest), an important period in Spanish history
during which Spain
slowly recovered territory occupied by the Moors. The catholic religious
circles were the ones who restored Christianity in the country and Holy Week
has been reinforced as a symbol of Catholicism in Granada. Thus, Palm Sunday marks the
beginning of the religious festivities including the 8 days of the passion,
death and resurrection of Christ. In the opening ceremony the Head Brother of the
Santa Maria de la Alhambra Brotherhood
will present the key to start this year’s stations of penance. At the end of
the stations of penance on Holy Saturday, La Borriquilla
Brotherhood returns the key to the Santa Maria de la Alhambra Brotherhood
who stores it away for the following year.
On Holy
Monday the Virgen de los Dolores procession makes it way from and to the San
Pedro church. It is one of the most symbolic processions in Granada along the Acera del Darro (Darro
walkway).
On Holy
Tuesday processions from various brotherhoods and cofraternities make their way
through the Albaicin district in Granada
starting from the San Juan
de los Reyes church to express their religious devotion.
On Holy
Wednesday the most long-awaited procession by devout Christians is the El
Cristo de los Gitanos. The streets of Granada
dance with purple, red and gold during this moving procession which runs to
Sacromonte led by the El Cristo del Consuelo and
María Santísima del Sacromonte Brotherhoods.
A
magical evening is promised on Maundy Thursday in the Albaicin district as the las
tres Vírgenes del Barrio, la
Concha, La
Estrella and La
Aurora processions meet, whilst the Cristo del Silencio
procession keeps the spectators completely captivated with the drums, reflected
in their respect and absolute silence.
On
Good Friday one of the most typical Granada
religious acts takes place. Families and neighbours gather on the Campo del
Principe (main Square in the Realejo district) to pray with the city Archbishop
and make three traditional requests. In the evening, figures from the former
Inquisition appear dressed in feathers, and embroidered clothing leading a line
of the Soledad de San Jerónimo Brotherhood members, the oldest of them all.
On Holy
Saturday the Patron Saint of Granada, la Virgin de las Angustias (Virgin of Anguish) plays
the lead role. She graces a silver throne that reproduces the Court of the
Lions galleries and our Lord descending from the Cross. It is customary to
follow the procession up to the Alhambra
during a tiring but thrilling stretch.
All this
and many more indescribable events will be taking place in Granada during Holy Week. Truly an experience
that you should not miss out on in the city of the Alhambra.
Claudia - Marketing Team