Easter Celebrations In Southern Spain

[darbo1103]

Just returned from Malaga, Spain after spending the Easter break there. Whilst there, several of the Catholic Churches in the area had processions involving the carrying of a huge, ornate throne with either a figure of Christ or the Virgin Mary on it. These were carried by men, up to 100 at a time, depending on the throne size. The thrones were carried all around the town and blessed at a church. My question is, some of the men carrying the throne were blindfolded or wore black hoods. Why? The thrones were preceded by others, males and females, dressed in white robes and wearing large pointed hoods/hats. What is the significance of this type of dress? Sorry for my ignorance, but I've never seen parades like these before and found them fascinating to watch. Thought I'd ask to see if I could shed some light on the tradition. TIA

[Mass_Hysteria]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Week_in_Spain

I spent a few Easters in Seville. It is a great experience

[Mass_Hysteria]

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=holy+week+in+seville&hl=en&tbm=isch&tbo=u&;source=univ&sa=X&ei=rb1dUbLmGcrY0QXMt4GQDw&ved=0CDoQsAQ&biw=1280&bih=687

[darbo1103]

Thanks for the links, just what I was looking for. Another question I have is what is the significance of the females dressed in black with head dresses? There were about five in the parade I saw. i thought they might have been widowed, but the age of some of them made me think again.

[Mass_Hysteria]

From Wiki

The traditional suit worn by women on Maundy Thursday (and sometimes on Good Friday) is known as La Mantilla (the mantle). This custom has become revitalised since the 1980s. The outfit consists of the lace mantle, stiffened by shell or another material, and a black dress, usually mid-leg, with black shoes. It is expected for the woman to hold and show a rosary. Jewellery may include, at most, bracelets and earrings.
The traditional accompanying male dress is a dark suit, black necktie and shoes.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mantilla.jpeg