| Every year at Easter, Spanish cities come alive with | | | | but in most cities Easter Sunday is also cause for a |
| the intoxicating sights, sounds and smells of religious | | | | procession, however usually only one, and during this |
| processions and fiestas that take place through the | | | | procession all solemnity disappears as the faithful |
| streets and barrios, causing mayhem, yet perfectly | | | | dance and sing their Lord's name. |
| safe and a sight to behold. | | | | Amongst the most famous processions are those of |
| Huge monuments to Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary | | | | Sevilla, Malaga, and Ronda, with Sevilla and Malaga |
| are carried on the shoulders of dozens of men whilst | | | | hosting the largest processions in the world; some of |
| around them bands play, penitents march, and the | | | | the pasos (or tranos as they are called in Malaga) can |
| crowds join with emotional clapping, tears, and the | | | | weight as much as 5 tonnes and require several |
| occasional lone individual spontaneously bursting into | | | | hundred men to carry them. |
| heartfelt song. | | | | Whilst in Ronda the processions are much smaller, |
| Amongst all of this, see the intricate full body | | | | each paso only requiring around a hundred men, but |
| costumes with faces covered and head coverings | | | | the significance of Ronda as a Catholic stronghold |
| with points as much as a meter high. Each fraternity | | | | remains due to the ease with which the city fell to |
| and brotherhood has their own colors, so whilst the | | | | the Christian army in 1485 after the Catholic Kings |
| processions are similar, enthusiasts will instantly | | | | had prayed for deliverance. |
| recognize the differences as well. | | | | Booking a holiday in Spain during Semana Santa, the |
| The processions take place on every day of the Holy | | | | Holy Week, is notoriously difficult as Spaniards who |
| Week, and the pasos (the large monuments) change | | | | have been forced to seek work in other cities return |
| depending on the significance of the day, though the | | | | to their hometowns to take part. Visitors to Spain |
| most important days are of course Palm Sunday, | | | | who want to witness the Holy Week celebrations |
| Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday. Semana Santa | | | | should expect to book rooms at least 5-6 months in |
| officially ends on the Saturday before Easter Sunday, | | | | advance. |