I'm recycling here a photo essay which I submitted to the BBC but which they never published. How very environmentally concious of me.

The procession of Our Lady of Sorrows, St Mary of the Alhambra held on Holy Saturday in Granada, Spain starts and ends in the Alhambra, built as a citadel and palace for the rulers of the last outpost of Moorish Spain. The Emirate of Granada was run as a more-or-less independent Islamic state within Christian Castile for 250 years until Boabdil finally surrendered to the catholic Kings in 1492.



"La Dolorosa" is carried down the hill from the Alhambra into the centre of Granada.



A closer look at the "Paso" (float). The people carrying the float are known as "costaleros" and the red petals you can see covering Jesus' body and the float are rose petals thrown from windows above.



The people in the robes are called "Nazarenos"



More Nazareños



Until recently only men were allowed to wear the conical hats and elaborate tunics of the Narazeños. Although this is changing, many women still wear traditional Spanish dress instead. Walking the route in bare feet is a sign of added penitence.


The Cruz de Guía - "guide cross" - is carried by a Nazareño and leads the processional entourage.


A group of penitent women walk in line.


This shows the detailed lace work and lace glove of the traditional dress of Spanish women.


The candle is specific to Semana Santa and is called a Cirio.


A young girl and Nazareño, both in costume, walk up the street returning to the Alhambra at around eleven thirty in the evening.


The float is carried though Plaza Nueva in the centre of Granada.


"Costaleros" carrying the float up the hill towards the Alhambra.


A woman in the crowd sings a Saeta - a Catholic flamenco song which sounds like it has heavy Islamic influences.


Music is a big part of the celebration and a band follows each float. The music is a distinctive mix of uplifting and melancholy.


Here the float is being carried the final 100 yards up the hill to the Alhambra. The golden sandstone of the Muslim citadel can be seen in the background. The silver arches around the base of the float are strongly reminiscent of Islamic design.


After the float has been carried into the Alhambra, and the crowds are gone, this couple remain overwhelmed by the emotion of the day.

bump

What a beautiful ceremony. Thanks for sharing it and providing such a wonderfully informative narrative. I would love to see this in person.

Originally Posted by OffTopic What a beautiful ceremony. Thanks for sharing it and providing such a wonderfully informative narrative. I would love to see this in person.

...a belated thanks for the bump and the comment. It really is an amazing ceremony.

Bob