What is the Semana Santa?
The Seville Semana Santa commemorates the passion and death of Christ through religious processions done by the brotherhood of the city’s Cathedral. This happens from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday.
During this time, 61 brotherhoods carry out their path in the streets. However, 10 more do it 2 days before Good Friday and Holy Saturday. On top of these religious aspects, the Holy Week in Seville is a sociocultural, touristic and economic event of great importance in Seville. Furthermore, it is an international tourist interest, forming one of spring’s most important celebration, joined by the April feria.
What hapens during this time?
It is a tradition to go witness the Spanish Holly Week in the streets. For ones who know Seville very well, it’s great, but for the ones who don’t, it is more difficult, with the number of blocked streets and the famous “Bullas” that don’t even let you take a step. Stay close to the Cathedral, next to the back door leading to calle Mateos gago and the archbishop. This is because there you will see a lot of the processions that are obligated to pass next to the Cathedral.
You should also bear in mind that hotel reservations need to be booked early. This is due to prices shooting up. The same goes if you want to rent a balcony and chairs, it is very expensive and usually have a lot of subscribers from one year to another.
What you can see?
Getting to experience Spanish Holy Week from a balcony is an unforgettable experience. You can enjoy privileged views. Almost touching Christ or Mary as the processions pass bay. On top of that you can get catering and a private area to get together with your family and friends. This way you can avoid the crowds in the streets that enable you to properly enjoy the processions. You can also get some good pictures from the balconies.
Further from the religious aspect, during the week you can see the streets sculptures of uncountable historical value entirely free surrounded by a mysticism halo.
A lot of Sevillians accompany the procession dressed in Nazarene custom, carrying large candles, and crosses. Others choose the penance station, carrying on their shoulders the processional frames as bearers.
