EASTER SUNDAY IN MÁLAGA

It is Easter Sunday, the Day of Resurrection; the joyful day of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the Gospels it is modestly told how, on this sunday morning the women visited Jesus' tomb and realised he had come back to life.

The procession of El Resucitado is Malaga's celebration of the resurrection of the Lord and it is the last procession in the Holy Week Malaga. Nazarenes from each and every one of the societies take part together, creating a colorful cortege.

The procession of this day is:

Resucitado

"EL PASO" THE PASSION IN RIOGORDO (MÁLAGA)

Riogordo villagers unite for annual Passion play. Anyone looking for an Easter tradition that is slightly different to the procession may be interested in going to Riogordo to watch the famous "El Paso" passion play the life and death of Christ reenacted in a stunning open air spectacle.

LINK HERE TO WATCH MORE VIDEOS

ASCENT TO MONTE CALVARIO - MALAGA

Next to the Santuario de la Victoria, beginning in calle Amargura, there is a small rise topped with a sanctuary, which the people of Malaga call Mount Calvary. Every Friday during Lent, a Via Cruces is organised that leaves from the San Lázaro Church and re-enacts the fourteen Stations of the Cross. The reason that it leaves from San Lázaro is because the processional brotherhood of Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno de los Pasos en el Monte Calvario (today known by the name of its Virgin, María Santísima del Rocío ) has organised for many years now the Official Stations of the Cross procession in Malaga, with the first Station being precisely that of San Lázaro. Each participant in the Via Cruces carries fourteen stones, which symbolise fourteen sins. The stones are left at each Station, where the corresponding sin is read, symbolising the discharge of sins following repent. The Via Dolorosa finalises at the Sanctuary of the Calvary, headquarters of the processional Brotherhood that bears the same name.

ROYAL BROTHERHOOD OF OUR FATHER JESUS CHRIST OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE AND OUR LADY OF THE SOLITUDE

The brotherhood REAL HERMANDAD DE NUESTRO PADRE JESÚS DEL SANTO SEPULCRO AND NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LA SOLEDAD is one of the oldest in Malaga and their house and museum is based close to the Cathedral and enterance to Alcazaba. In the Hall of Thrones there are two genuine “jewels”, of the Semana Santa (Easter) in Andalusia, such as the Throne of Nuestro Padre Jesús del Santo Sepulcro ( Our Father Jesus Christ of the Holy Sepulchre), designed by the artist from Málaga , Moreno Carbonero , and ensembled at the Father Granda's workshop in Madrid. The second remarkable throne of Nuestra Señora de la Soledad (Our Lady of the Solitude) was made at Manuel Seco's workshop in 1950.

 The solemn passage of the brotherhood of the sepulchre, considered de facto as the official Brotherhood of the city; the darkness that announces the arrival of the Servite order, order not forming part of the grouping of guilds of Malaga, made his parade processional closing on good Friday. The passage of the throne of Servitas, the smallest of all the Holy week, the lights go off and becomes the silence. All those moments are the tradition of a city which turns on the streets to enjoy his imagery and nights. The end of the Holy week, takes place on Easter Sunday, with the procession called the resurrected by the malacitanos, which includes representations of all the brotherhoods and brotherhoods that make up the group.

GOOD FRIDAY IN MÁLAGA

The day when the glorious Passion of Jesus Christ is celebrated together with his victorious death. Here, the Cross of God is considered the symbol of salvation. Jesus Christ is nailed to the cross between the thieves Dimas and Gestos; after many years of waiting, he can finally fulfil his dreams of redeeming man. Today is the most important of all the days celebrated by the Church.

Silence is the main feature on this day of mouming and reflection of the Holy week in Málaga. Fourteen tronos or floats are paraded through the streets of Málaga as eight different societies carry their sacred images.

The processions of this day are:

Dolores de San Juan

Descendimiento, Monte Calvario,

Traslado, Amor, Piedad,

Sepulcro, Servitas.

CHANGING OF THE GUARD CHRIST OF GOOD DEATH

In the  morning at   Santo Domingo's  church you can see the changing of the guard, which takes about ten minutes in the chapel. This always fascinates, the movements of the guards and their devotion. This is the best free show in Malaga, but occurs only between Monday and Wednesday of Holy Week.

The Spanish Foreign Legion arrives at the port TOMORROW MORNING around 10 am and then they have their fantastic parade downtown at 11 am. For many Malagueños, this is the favorite part of the Holy Week celebrations. The Spanish Legion is very colorful and their march is very fast. Later in the evening they will take part in the procession of the Cristo de Mena, starting at the Santo Domingo Church. When the legionaires start singing their hymn, people start crying because it is so very touching.

 

SPANISH LEGION IN MÁLAGA -CHRIST OF THE GOOD DEATH

One of the highlights in Malaga is Maundy Thursday, when hundreds of Spanish legionnaires arrive from Melilla, a Spanish enclave in north Africa to carry the wooden figure of Cristo de la Buena Muerte (Christ of the Good Death) in the visually stunning Procession of the Cross.

The Spanish Legión (Spanish: Legión Española, La Legión or colloquially El Tercio), formerly Spanish Foreign Legion, is an elite unit of the Spanish Army. Founded as the Tercio de Extranjeros ("Foreigners Regiment"), it was originally intended as a Spanish equivalent of the French Foreign Legion, but in practice it recruited almost exclusively Spaniards. The Spanish Legion's animal mascot is the Legión's goat.

Novio de la Muerte (Bridegroom of Death) is the official hymn and regimental slow march of the Spanish Legion, made in 1921 with words by Juan Costa set to music by Fidel Prado.

MAUNDY THURSDAY IN MÁLAGA

It was on this day that Jesus attended the Last Supper, where he created the Eucharist and washed the feet of his disciples to show that we must clean our hearts. Following the betrayal of Judas, Jesus Christ was arrested, judged before Pontius Pilate, and condemned. The Thursday is without doubt the most popular day of the Holy Week Malaga in terms of attendance, which makes it difficult to get around and find spots that are not too crowded.

- Morning -We suggest that you be at the Malaga port for 11:00 to witness the legionary troops as they arrive in Malaga; these soldiers lift El Cristo de la Buena Muerte onto its processional trono (12:00) and subsequently carry it to the society's procession. After midday, a visit to the temple-museum of the Esperanza society to take a closer look at the tronos of El Nazareno del Paso and La Virgen de la Esperanza on the biggest trono of the world (More than 5 tons of weight and carried by more than 260 members) is a must.

- Afternoon/evening -
We recommend that you head for Calle Carretería at 17:30 to see the departure of the Viñeros society and witness the ceremonial placing of the key in the hand of the Nazarene. Afterwards, at 18:30, make for the Alameda Principal to see the walking catherdrals that are the tronos of La Sagrada Cena and La Virgen de la Paz. At the nearby Puente de Tetuán you can admire the procession of the Congregación de Mena accompanied by the Legion and the Navy. Then, if you can manage to exit the Alameda Principal via a side street, go to Calle San Agustín to follow the sombre cortege of La Santa Cruz until it reaches Plaza de la Merced at around 21:00.

- Night -

After a visit to one of the restaurants in the town centre to sample the wide variety of tapas and dishes on offer, you can enjoy the visual feast provided by La Misericordia in front of the cathedral in Plaza del Obispo. Then, head for the Alameda Principal to witness a unique sight in Malaga's Easter week; the crossing of the processions of La Esperanza and Mena at around 23:50. Afterwards, go to La Tribuna de los Pobres to hear the people of Malaga pay compliments to La Virgen de la Amargura (Zamarrilla) as it returns to its home district. Stay at this spot to receive the blessing of the Nazareno del Paso and accompany La Virgen de la Esperanza on its return home across the carpet of rosemary that now covers the streets of Malaga. And if you still have sufficient strength, head for the church of San Juan to witness the moving departure of the Cristo de la Vera-Cruz on its way to the cathedral.

The processions of the day are:

Zamarrilla La Esperanza La Santa Cruz La Cena Viñeros La Misericordia Mena

TRADITIONS AND LEGENDS - ZAMARRILLA THE BANDIT

The story goes that in the times of bandoleers, one of the bandits nicknamed “ El Zamarilla ” was particularly notorious. His misdeeds were many and such was his renown and so dangerous was his band that the bailiffs decided to form a posse and capture him at whatever price. After a number of skirmishes they managed to corner him but “ El Zamarilla ”, rapid and slippery as an eel due to his knowledge of the land, managed to escape, though with the patrol in hot pursuit. After galloping for many leagues with the bailiffs hot on his heels, the bandoleer reached a sanctuary chapel in search of a place to hide.

As it happens the only place he could find was under the cape of a figure of a Virgin Dolorosa that was worshipped there. The bailiffs arrived and though the searched the whole chapel from one end to the other, none of them discovered “ El Zamarilla ” in his original hiding place. Desperate and furious they left to comb the area. A little later, feeling safe, the bandit left his refuge and in improvised thanks for having saved him, he broke off a white rose that grew by the side of the path and pinned it on the breast of the figure, using his own dagger to hold it. At this moment the rose turned scarlet. Terrified, the bandit knelt before the image of the Virgin, begging pardon for his wrongful life and from then on “ El Zamarilla ” became a hermit, coming down from the hills only to visit his beloved Virgin. On one of these occasions he himself was attacked by bandits and though “ El Zamarilla ” still had the vigour of his youth and he put up a fight, he was mortally wounded by one of them before they fled. With great difficulty he managed to reach the door of the sanctuary, carrying in his hand, as he always did, a red rose to offer the Virgin. Before he died his eyes turned towards the Virgin and then he saw that the rose he carried in his hands had turned white. She had pardoned him. Today, Our Lady Virgen de la Amargura continues in the sanctuary called Zamarrilla , She continues to wear a red rose held with a dagger, except on Good Friday when She wears a white rose, pardoning all Mankind for the death of her Son.

HOLY WEDNESDAY IN MÁLAGA "LA PALOMA"

The procession of the Paloma (Dove) is uniquely and pleasurably marked with the release of hundreds of doves

HOLY WEDNESDAY

MORNING

We can start off by visiting the temples of the societies of La Paloma, in Plaza de San Francisco, and Sangre, which is nearby. Heading along Calle Carretería we come to the church of San Juan where we can look on as El Cristo de Animas de Ciegos is carried to its processional trono on the shoulders of paratroopers at 12:00. Finally, we must not forget to call in at the temple-museum of the Expiración society, which houses an art collection of great merit; this visit is an absolute must.

AFTERNOON/EVENING

Our afternoon begins at 16:30 in Plaza de Capuchinos with the departure of Los Salesianos. We shall then head for the church of Santo Domingo to see the Via Crucis of the Congregación de Mena on the streets of the Perchel district at around 18:00. At 19:00 we will cross the Puente de los Alemanes bridge and make for Plaza de Félix Sáenz to admire the dense cortege of the Cofradías Fusionadas. Before taking a rest, we recommend that you attend the traditional ceremony in which a prisoner is freed by the image of Jesús el Rico at 20:30 near Plaza de la Aduana, very close to the Alcazaba.

NIGHT

After keeping our strength up by sampling 'pescaíto frito' (fried fish) and other culinary delights to be found in the old town centre's many bars, we shall head for the Alameda Principal at 21:30 to see the magnificent tronos paraded by the Paloma society, in which doves, the birds that give the society its name, are set free.

Then go to the end of Calle Carretería to witness the vibrant meeting of the tronos carried by the Sangre society at La Tribuna de los Pobres. Finally, we recommend that you try to find a seat in the Alameda Principal in order to enjoy the procession of La Expiración and appreciate both the components of its cortege and the immense artistry of its tronos. If you wish to see one of the tronos returned to its temple, we suggest you watch El Rico in Calle Cister at about 01:00.

The processions of this day are:

Salesianos

Fusionadas

Paloma

El Rico

Sangre

Expiración

TRADITIONS AND LEGENDS IN MALAGA

CHRIST OF BLOOD

In a city with such a maritime tradition as Malaga, there had to be a legend linked to the fishermen. According to the story, a group of fishermen were at sea fishing off their boat when they were surprised by a sudden storm and, unfortunately, the waves swept them away from the coast. Despite all their efforts they were unable to control the boat and get back to land. Under menacing black clouds and in the midst of enormous waves they entrusted their souls to the Lord, sure that their end was near. However, following their prayers a ray of light lit the Heavens and the waters calmed in the middle of the waves, place in which the sculpture of a Christ Crucified appeared. The seamen immediately steered their boat towards the image, which they rescued from the sea and saw that blood was flowing the side. The storm finally blew itself out and they were able to return to land safe and sound and with the image of Christ Crucified, which was taken to the old Convent de la Merced, where it has been venerated since as the Cristo de la Sangre (Christ of Blood).

TRADITIONS AND LEGENDS - THE PARDONED PRISONER

It is said that in times of Charles III a serious epidemic of plague struck the city and a great many people died. Those who did survive where so weak that it was almost impossible for them to hold the processions to implore for the end of the epidemic. However, one of the places where the disease had struck with less virulence was the prison and the prisoners, knowing what was happening outside the walls that held them captive, asked the prison governor for permission carry in procession the image of Christ named Nuestro Padre Jesús "El Rico" . When the authorities refused, based on the well-founded fear that the prisoners would take advantage of the occasion to escape, these decided to rebel and fulfil their promise to carry out the procession as requested. When the procession had finished all of the prisoners returned as promised, except one, who came back the next day with a sculpture of the head of St. John the Baptist Beheaded, which he placed beside the bed of a cellmate, who was ill. The prisoner, just like the rest of the population of Malaga, recovered a few days later. The King, moved by the generous action of the prisoners issued a Decree by which, every year during the procession of Jesus el Rico, a prisoner would be set free. This tradition has been conserved to our days and HM King Juan Carlos I continues to sign the Pardon each year, the freed prisoner accompanying “El Rico” in its procession through the streets of the city, following a ceremony at Government Offices in which the Pardon is read and, more importantly, the prisoner receives the blessing of Our Father Jesus “El Rico” , for which purpose the sculpture’s right arm is articulated.

HOLY WEEK MUSIC

It is well known that one of Malaga’s nicknames is " Cantaora " ("singing" Malaga) and this enthusiasm we have for music here in this corner of the south is embodied in our Holy Week. Music is not only an accompaniment for the processions, but it is also an element essential for creating an atmosphere than invites meditation, joy, sincere prayer or moments of religious exaltation.

TRADITIONALS FOOD OF HOLY WEEK IN SPAIN

FISH STEWS

Since meat is typically prohibited, many of the dishes served during Holy Week are made with fish. Many restaurant daily specials will feature fish and vegetables, according to the website andalucia.com. One typical dish is made with chickpeas, spinach and cod. Some recipes leave out the cod to make a completely vegetarian dish. This dish also features plenty of garlic sautéed in olive oil along with leeks. Soaked and boiled chickpeas are then added. Finally, soaked salt cod and chopped spinach are added to make a flavorful stew.

GARLIC SOUP

Another prominent dish during Holy Week is a soup made from garlic, according to "Food Culture in Spain." The soup is made from garlic, oil, bread, water and eggs. Typically served in Northern Spain in earthenware bowls, this soup will warm your soul and spirit.

DESERTS

During Holy Week a number of mouth-watering desserts are served. Arroz con leche, or rice pudding, is typically served during Holy Week. Most bakeries during Holy Week make a favorite traditional food, torrijas, according to the website andalucia.com. Torrijas is similar to French toast. Stale bread is soaked in milk and then dipped into eggs. They are pan-fried in butter on both sides and then topped with cinnamon, sugar and honey.

EASTER STORY

HOLY WEEK MUSEUM IN MÁLAGA

The Holy Week Museum (Museo de la Semana Santa) is dedicated to the processions that occur in Malaga during Holy Week. This is the first museum of its kind in Andalusia. Malaga is known for its Holy Week processions and is one of the few cities in Spain where all the thrones are carried on the shoulders of men and women. Other cities use thrones that are on wheels, and these are pushed by men under the thrones, which of course is much easier that carrying the thrones on the shoulders of men. It should also be noted that Malaga has the largest thrones in Spain, many of them having to be carried by at least 300 men and women.

The first Holy Week processions in Malaga took place 500 years ago, in the 16th century. The processions were a popular expression of the Christian faith by the people who took part in them, and they still are today, an outpouring of religious emotions by the people who take part in them and by the spectators. The cofradias (brotherhoods) were the organizations that organized the processions. Today there are 42 cofradias in Malaga and they all cooperated in opening the museum as a group.

The themes explained in the museum are the origin and evaluation of the brotherhoods, the processional routes, the processional image, the making of the images, the dressing of the images, the sculpture and the music. One will find many sculptures, costumes, gold and silverware used in the processions, and a large silver throne that was dismantled to bring it to the second floor of the museum. There is also a large audio visual room where 66 persons can sit and watch videos of the processions. This museum is a wonderful museum to see and experience. All explanations in the museum are both in Spanish and English.

HOLY WEEK IN MÁLAGA

Holy Week in Malaga, is an ancient tradition that dates back to the age of the Catholic Monarchs. The city of Malaga is the capital city of the Costa del Sol and is located in Andalusia, the south of Spain, a land that perfectly combines modernity and tradition in the middle of the 21st Century. The most famous of these traditions is, undoubtedly, its well-known Holy Week of Malaga.The taste for Baroque art by the religious brotherhoods and associations and the great amount of processional materials that they have been accumulating for centuries result in a street stage of exuberant art, full of colour and majesty.

Every year, during the Passion Week in Malaga takes out to the streets a real festival perceptible by the five senses: processional thrones carrying images that are swung all along the entire route, thousands of penitents lighting and giving colour with their candles and robes, processional marches, as well as aromas of incense and flowers filling the air as the processions pass by and thousands of people crowded to see and applaud their favourite tronos (floats, thrones).

MAUNDY THURSDAY IN MÁLAGA

 

 

It was on this day that Jesus attended the Last Supper, where he created the Eucharist and washed the

feet of his disciples to show that we must clean our hearts. Following the betrayal of Judas, Jesus Christ was arrested, judged before Pontius Pilate and condemned.

The Thursday is without doubt the most popular day of the Holy Week Malaga in terms of attendance.

The processions of this day are:

Santa Cruz
Sagrada Cena
Viñeros
Mena
Misericordia
Zamarrilla
Esperanza

TRANSFER OF IMAGES MÁLAGA 2012

Friday 23 March

Rescate: 21'00h . Capilla, C/ Agua, Casa Hermandad
Estudiantes: 22'00h.San Agustín,Granada, Pl. del Siglo, Molina Lario, Santa María, Císter,Alcazabilla , Casa Hermandad.

Saturday 24 March

Cena:11'00h. Pl. de los Mártires, Santa Lucia, Granada,Pl. Constitución, Larios, Dr D. Manuel Perez- Bryan, Pl. de las Flores, Fco de Rioja, C/ Nueva,Especerías, Salvago, Compañía, Pl. San Ignacio,Compañia,Casa Hermandad

Nueva Esperanza:12'15h. Parroquia San Joaquin y Santa Ana , Camino Castillejos, Salvador Barberá, Ministerio de la Vivienda, Rosas, Salvador Barberá, Camino Castillejos, Casa Hermandad.

Sunday 25 March

Sangre: 11'00h. Iglesia San Felipe, Parras,Molinillo,Alderete,San Bartolomé,, Cruz del Molinillo,   Ollerías, Dos Aceras, Casa Hermandad.

Prendimiento: 17'30h.Pl.Capuchinos, E.Domínguez Ávila, San Juan Bosco, visita al Hospital Sagrado Corazón, Emilio Carreras, Monserrat, Alameda Barceló, E.Domínguez Ávila, Pl.Capuchinos, Alameda de Capuchinos, M Bueno Lara, Pl. Maestro Artola, San Millán y Casa Hermandad.

Gitanos: 17'30h.Mártires, Comedias, Mendez Núñez, Casapalma, Cárcer, Pl Jerónimo Cuervo,Ramos Marín, Gómez Pallete, Merced, Frailes,Casa Hermandad.

Rocío: 18'00h.San Lázaro, Amargura, Pl. Alfonso XII, San Patricio, Xto de la Epidemia, Pl.de la Victoria, Párroco Fco Ruiz Furest, Pl. Marcelino Champagnat, Casa Hermandad.

Pollinica: 18'30h.San Agustín, Granada, Méndez Núñez, Pl. Uncibay, Pl. del Teatro, Puerta de Buenaventura, Álamos, Dos Aceras, Guerrero, Gaona, Parras, Casa Hermandad.

Huerto: 18'45h.Mártires, Santa Lucía, Pl Constitución, Especerías, Nueva, Pl Félix Sáenz, Sebastián Souvirón, Pasillo Santa Isabel, Puente de Santo Domingo, Pl. Religiosa Filipense Dolores Márquez, Jorge Lamothe, Pl. Virgen de la Concepción.

Entronización Stmo Cristo de la Agonía:19'30h.Oratorio de las Penas, Pl. Virgen de las Penas.

Viñeros: 20'00h.Iglesia Conventual de la Aurora y Divina Providencia, Andrés Pérez, Carretería, Tejón y Rodríguez, Comedias, Pl.de los Mártires, Ciriaco y Paula, Estación en la Iglesia Parroquial,Comedias, Nosquera, Muro de las Catalinas, Andrés Pérez, Carretería, Biedmas, Pl.de los Viñeros,Casa Hermandad.

Piedad: 20'00h. Capilla de Ntra Sra de la Piedad, Cruz del Molinillo, Convento Madres Mercedarias, San Bartolomé, Capuchinos, Cruz del Molinillo, Alderete, Casa Hermandad.



Vía Crucis Esperanza:21'00h. Basílica de la Esperanza, Pl.Lola Carrera-Nazareno Verde, Salón de Tronos.