Print this PostI went to a Semana Santa (Holy Week) procession here in Burgos yesterday and have placed the video of it above for you to take a look at. Semana Santa in Spain is always something curious for Americans like me because the processions that are celebrated here are not like anything that we have in the States.
I still remember the first time that I saw a Semana Santa procession here in Spain. It was back when I was living and studying in Valladolid in the year 2007. It was actually a bit of a scary experience for me… after all, I wasn’t expecting to see people dressed like the Ku Klux Klan walking through the streets of Spain. In fact, I remember that the absolute first procession that I ever went to was with an Irish friend of mine who, like me, also had never seen a Semana Santa procession before. In my mind’s eye, I can still see the “cloaked individuals” coming out of that church in Valladolid, slowly making their way into view, and my Irish friend saying to me with a look of astonishment on her face and a thick Irish accent, “Oh my God, who are those people???”
It’s true that as an American (or a foreigner in general), Semana Santa processions shock you at first. There is silence everywhere, some spectators cry when they see the images of Jesus Christ pass by, and the people wearing their robes and cone-shaped hats do strangely resemble members of the Ku Klux Klan. Yet, once you know the history behind the holiday it converts into something much more interesting culturally – at least I think it’s interesting. After all, seeing all this happening has taught me something about how religion is valued and integrated into Spanish culture.
For your information, the characteristic cloaks that are worn during the processions come from a tradition dating back centuries. Many years ago, the people who walked in the Semana Santa processions in Spain were considered to be the “worst” sinners of the town. In order to have God forgive them of their sins, these horrible sinners volunteered to carry Semana Santa “pasos” (the large wooden statues of Christ) in their churches’ Semana Santa processions. But, there was a problem: the sinners didn’t want to be recognized in the processions because someone could see them and realize that they had done terrible things. Thus, the cloak and pointed hat were born to allow the penitents of Semana Santa to demonstrate their penance while still disguising their identity.
If you’d like a little more information about Semana Santa in Spain, check out this Wikipedia Article. You also may wish to look at my YouTube channel for more Semana Santa Videos or check out my Semana Santa photos on Picasa.
In the comments of this post, I’d love to hear about your first reaction to Semana Santa in Spain… either from seeing it in person or from watching the video above.
Hasta luego,
–Chris
http://abroadinspain.com
very impressive
You’re right, Chris. Semana Santa is really something strange when you’re not familiar with it. I was a little “shocked” the first time I saw it too. It really does leave an impression on you.
Thank you for sharing this. I watched the video; very moving. It *is* unlike anything that takes place in the United States.
As a Black American, it is easy to associate the hoods and cloaks with the KKK. But, as a Spanish teacher, I know better, and, for Americans to educate themselves re: the cultural significance is important.
I have linked my site to yours. I have been looking for a source to post on my website. I appreciate the manner in which you explain the events. Thank you for your contribution.
Marcy,
Thank you so much for your comment and for the link on your blog! I really appreciate knowing that someone finds my writing useful and interesting.
I agree with you… many Americans see things like this and have no idea what’s going on. It’s good for them to, like you say, “educate themselves.”
I’m actually a Spanish teacher in the States too… I’m licensed in the state of Pennsylvania. Where do you teach and what levels do you have?
Thanks again for stopping by and for the link!
–Chris