Why Semana Santa in Granada Is Worth Watching
"Granada shows the best in Semana Santa" No-one should miss the start of Semana Santa in Granada. Platforms have been raised, statues dusted off, and rehearsals completed.
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 Klan 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 ProcessionsCarrying the pasos takes a lot of skill. And that takes practice. I remember recently, 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. And I guess it's never too early to start practicing! 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. I never did manage to get a photograph of them. 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. And, for another procession with a difference, make sure to watch the Silent Procession on Maundy Thursday. Street lights are turned off. The only light comes from candles being carried 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. More information about the processions and activities of Semana Santa in Granada can be obtained from Granada Semana Santa, or by visiting 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 in Granada ProvinceEven though Semana Santa in Granada is renowned 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. It begins on Domingo Ramos (Palm Sunday) which depicts the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem. And later in the day is the Procession of the Burriquilla where Burros (donkeys) are used in the procession. But Friday evening 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 in Granada? Let us know what you think. Links related to this page
To catch more information about Fiestas in Granada subscribe to our newsletter. To go to the top of this page click on Semana Santa in Granada To find out all about Granada go to Granada information To locate any webpage on this site go to our site map
|
