So, we went down to watch the procession on Thursday night, hoping that it would be a little more impressive than the 3 Kings we went down for in January.
And we were not disappointed.
There were banners,
Marching bands,
There were grown ups
and children
And then there were huge floats that only just fitted down the narrow streets.
There were the cross carriers, some walking in bare feet over the cobbled streets and that big cross looked incredibly heavy as he lifted onto his shoulder.
This float was carried on the shoulders of about 50 men, who after carrying it out of the church 
They then lifted it above their heads to rapturous applause of everyone watching.
They held it for about 30 seconds before lowering it back onto their shoulders.
The parade continued with the ladies dressed in their black finery with lace decked peinetas.
The whole parade took over an hour to pass and went all around the town. There were so many people there watching it and many who live in the town were out on their balconies. I wasn't sure whether this was to appreciate the parade or to make sure that the floats went past without takingthe balcony railings with them. It was absolutely fabulous to watch. It was wonderful to see whole families involved.
Afterwards we went into one of the local bars for a drink and some tapas and the whole place was buzzing, it’s the first time we have really seen the town alive after the winter has kept everyone in.
And for anyone wondering, the pointy hats that some were wearing date back to before the KKK started wearing them but I need to do some more research to find out their significance.
Saturday is the Burying of the Sardine, which I thought was always at the start of Lent but apparently can be at either end of Lent (see last years post) and on Sunday the is the procession for the Resurrection.
3 comments:
Fantastic, Jacqui.
The Spanish have obviously not abandoned their centuries old traditions and certainly the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ would be the last one to go. No similar public references over here to that significant incident in the christian chruch's history. Easter is more about secular life, which I beleive is a pity. I remember Easter parade's growing up but I think they are extinct now over here.
I think the pointed hoods are related to penitence in some way. The Roman Catholic church are into penitence. Somewhere in Spain at their Easter celebrations public flagellation still takes place!!
Happy Easter.
Graham.
Wonderful photos Jacqui & seemingly, you had a great time. On Thursday lunchtime we were in Guardamar to do shopping & it was chokka with cars but hardly any people, we never did figure out where they all were. We also kept meaning to call into the tourist office to find out about the parades but didn't so another Easter has gone by without us getting involved.
Graham, I think many of the religious festivals are still massively celebrated in many parts of Spain, the area we live in certainly does it well. It's so lovely to see so many children and teenagers involved still - hopefully it will continue.
Spanish Owner - you really should make the effort next year to see one parade - it really is worth the effort. We never bothered when we lived in Terreros as we always had to travel to Aguilas, a while 15 mins away - but I am so glad we made the effort this year. Next year we may do a different parade - or maybe take in 2 - there are about 5 in all, including a midnight procession of the cross through the streets.
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