| |
Why Will Semana Santa In Granada 2008
Be Worth Watching
Tomorrow is the start of Semana Santa in Granada. Platforms have been raised, statues dusted off, and rehearsals are complete.
Granadinos will be immersed in Semana Santa 2008 (Granada Easter week 2008), starting on Sunday 16th and lasting through to Sunday 23rd March.
Andalucia is the one area of Spain that celebrates Semana Santa to the full. And Granada is world famous for its many processions.
Semana Santa commemorates Christ's last week of life on Earth, including:- - Palm Sunday - celebrating the day Christ entered into Jerusalem,
- Holy Thursday - the day of The Last Supper, and
- Good Friday - the day Christ died on the cross.
- Easter Sunday - commemorating the resurrection of Christ.
.. but in Granada every single day of the week has its own series of celebrations.
Different Fraternities and brotherhoods organise the various processions of Semana Santa in Granada, with each group having its own special vestment colour (a little bit like the different football strips of football clubs).
The processions consist of pasos (floats), carried along on the shoulders of the costaleros and followed by penitentes (dressed in tunics, pointed hoods and gowns) and, of course, emotions are tugged by the sad melodies provided by the many bands.
Strangely enough it is the penitents that seem to "stand out" for most onlookers. This is probably because the style of robes they wear were adapted for use by the Klu Klux Clan in the USA. However, the outfit's origin comes from medieval times when people wanted to give penance without giving away their identity.
The Heart Of The Processions
Carrying the pasos takes a lot of skill. And that takes practice.
Yesterday, as I was driving through Padul I passed about a dozen 10 to 12 year old boys carrying a plastic table on their shoulders. The table had a vase and flower on top of it with an olive branch laid behind. Another 12 year old was shouting instructions to them so that the "table boys" could walk in time with each other. They were good.
One command told them to walk forwards. Another signal made them stop. And then upon another command they all started a swinging side-stepping motion. As soon as I realised what they were doing I parked and got out of my car with my camera intending to take a photograph of them. As I did so, they boy in charge slapped the top of the table and shouted "Venga" ("Come") and the boys put the table down and ran off to play.
Hopefully I will be able to take a photograph of them during the actual procession.
At least one man is always in charge of each paso, discreetly signalling to the costaleros when to turn, mark time and to stop. Water is usually given out each time the procession stops so that the costalleros don't become dehydrated with their onerous, but honourable task of carrying their paso around the ancient city (some pasos date back to the 16th century).
The whole week is a wonderful mix of colour, emotions, slow rhythmic marches, swaying walks of the pasas and the unique sounds of the saetas, the sacred songs which wail in wondrous melody.
Processions in Granada normally go to the Cathedral or the Town Hall Square The Plaza del Carmen and so anyone wanting to see a lot of the action should head on over there.
Unique to Granada is the "Christ of the Gypsies Procession" which starts from Abadia del Sacromonte at 5.30pm on Wednesday.
And, for another procession with a difference, make sure to watch the Silent Procession on Maundy Thursday 20th March. Street lights are turned off . The only light comes from candles being carrried and the only sound is a single drum, giving out the sound for walking in step. What a feeling it gives me. This procession sets off from the Church of San Pedro on the Carrera del Darro at midnight.
All information about the processions and activities of Semana Santa in Granada can be obtained from any of the Tourist Offices.
Holy Week in Granada can captivate all who come. Some people appreciate the reflection it helps bring into their life, and at the other end of the scale, there are fun filled fiestas celebrated throughout the week.
Semana Santa Granada Province
Even though Semana Santa in Granada is reknowned for its unmissable atmosphere, many other villages throughout Granada Province also celebrate Easter Week in their own way.
Of course, being biased as I am, I believe the Semana Santa in Padul is an unmissable event too.
Sunday 16th March begins with Domingo Ramos (Palm Sunday) to depict the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem. And at 4.00pm later in the day is the Procession of the Burriquilla (the first time it has been done in Padul) where Burros (donkeys) are used in the procession.
But Friday evening on the 21st March is the pinnacle of Padul Semana Santa... The procession, covering the twelve stations of the cross.... Starting at 8.00pm and finishing at around 2 o'clock the following morning the procession re-enacts the whole passion of Christ in just one evening. Complete with marching Roman soldiers and the full story of Easter, some people describe this evening as "Granada's week of processions condensed into one night".
How will you spend your Easter? What are your thoughts about the penitentes? Will you be visiting Semana Santa Granada? Let us know what you think.
Let us have your blog comments. Do you know of anything particular that is happening in Granada City; or would you just like to add your comments to this article.
Have your say by clicking on your blog comments.
Return to the bed breakfast Granada Blog Page.
To go to the top of this page click on Semana Santa in Granada
If you found this page useful or interesting, click on the bookmarking link below....
|
