La Cuaresma

When it’s the season of Lent in Sevilla, you know it. Walking around the city during the past few days, I’ve just missed several religious processions. A religious procession typically involves a large carved icon being carried through the streets on a wooden platform. Often, a small band takes part in the procession and there are always a lot of candles involved. During Holy Week (Semana Santa) numerous religious processions occur throughout Sevilla. Semana Santa in Sevilla is world-famous. I can’t wait!!

Announcements posted outside a church with information on upcoming processions

Several stores are also selling little white First Communion (Primera Comunión) dresses for Catholic girls. I’m not an expert on First Communion, but I think it’s a big deal in the Catholic Church, and it’s probably comparable to Protestant Confirmation and a Jewish Bar/Bat Mitzvah. I’m assuming First Communion happens on or around Easter for Sevillanas.

Primera Comunión dresses in a store window

Stores are also full of various items associated with Semana Santa: Catholic icons, special Semana Santa music, regalia for "penitents" and padded head coverings worn by the men who carry the wooden platforms on their heads.

I’ll go into much more detail about religious processions once we’ve experienced Semana Santa – this year it’s the 3rd week of March. This is such a big week in Sevilla that some rental companies kick out their tenants during that week; they can make hundreds of extra Euros on tourists staying in their properties. I think a lot of Sevillianos and Spaniards travel during Holy Week because everyone has the week off work. Brad and I, however, wouldn’t dream of leaving our apartment during the coolest week in Sevilla!