Consorcio de Turismo

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Semana Santa (Holy Week)

Bits of advice

To witness a cofradía is relatively easy: the processions are held throughout the city and along any point of the marked route (except the Official Route) one can approach a float to contemplate and enjoy the spectacle. However, it is necessary to take into account a series of principles. In the first place, many of the processions make way through some very winding narrow streets within the old town. Some of them purposely seek an itinerary through the most bending and picturesque routes possible. The passage through the marcos incomparables (incomparable frameworks) is fundamental to the composition of the work of art in question. The backdrop of the city marks the stage of the greatest moments of the passion and death of Jesus Christ. Also, the candlelit guided floats in a small Seville plaza, the spectacular work of the team of costaleros who skillfully swerve with no problem through narrow streets accompanied by the sound of the solemn music are basic components of the best moments of the week.

In order to witness these points at a close range requires a certain skill for people who are inexperienced. Losing oneself in the labyrinth of streets in Seville's old town is not difficult, not even for the locals.

On the other hand, holding out by standing for the duration of a procession is not always a good idea. Some processions can take up to an hour and a half to pass through completely (from the sign of the guiding cross until the band which accompanied the float), sometimes even longer. An experience such as this can leave one's kidneys (and feet) numb for the rest of the day. Of course one can always rent a chair along some portion of the Official Route.

Advices for watching processions

Before setting out for a day of observing processions, draw up a basic map of what you'd like to see and where. Use this guideline to later coordinate what you believe is most convenient.

Don't become obsessed with seeing everything. Accept that this is impossible to begin with, not only with the time permitted during the Holy Week, but considered throughout the lifetime of dedicated local. A good motto to go by: quality above quantity.

Calculate the amount of time you expect to be standing, or walking, and correlate according to one's age and physical condition. Establish all the stops that need to be taken (allow for a few more) along the city's stupendous terraces.

Its not a good idea to try and follow the route of the floats by placing oneself in front of them, though many people wrongly do so. This is really very uncomfortable (stepped on, squashed, pushed...), as well as bothersome to those who watch the processions from the sides and who then experience difficulty of movement.

Ask locals whenever you need help. Most people are more than happy to advise visitors about the most interesting places and moments scheduled for each day of the Holy Week. In order to take in the full detail of the artistic treasures of each float and surrounding elements that make up a processional entourage, its best to position oneself the same day in the morning prior to the departure of the procession at the respective church. Here one will find all the main elements, the lighted candles, the flowers, all carefully placed and awaiting the moment of departure.

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