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The tradition of Semana Santa (Holy Week: the Spanish term for Holy Week) dates back to the 16th century. Through processions, the Catholic Church endeavoured to bring the Passion of Christ to the common people in an easily understandable and impressive way. The traditional processions in Seville are the most famous. Here, from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, the processions of over 50 brotherhoods – accompanied by music and incense – make their way from their traditional church to the cathedral and back again. The routes through the city, which were established in the 17th century, and the vestments are still used today. The figures of saints, made of wood and dressed in valuable silk robes, are very realistically depicted and the prevailing atmosphere is impressive. In general, two pasos belong to each brotherhood, the “hermandad”, or lay brotherhood, the “cofradía”. Pasos are table-shaped constructions that are carried by the “costaleros”, the bearers.

The frame under the “stage” is often covered so that only the feet of the bearers are visible. The first paso is dedicated to Christ and shows the crucifixion or another scene from the Passion story, while the second usually depicts a Mary bedded in fresh flowers and adorned with jewellery. A long row of two “nazarenos” walk in front of the paso. They wrap themselves in long cloaks and pointed hoods, the capirotes, which only leave the eyes exposed. They also carry long candles for illumination and emblems of the brotherhood. The paso is followed by the penitentes, the penitents, who carry crosses on their shoulders and often walk barefoot. They also wear the typical pointed cap, which serves to make the act of penance anonymous. This is followed by the band, which plays a slow, solemn march with simple wind and percussion instruments. The night from Maundy Thursday to Good Friday is the high point of Semana Santa, as the faithful commemorate the hours of Christ’s Passion from the Last Supper to the crucifixion.

Siesta is the Spanish midday rest that usually takes place between 2 and 5 o’clock, when Spaniards retreat to their own homes or restaurants to eat and relax. During this time, the sun is at its highest and temperatures of around 40 °C make it virtually impossible to work outside. However, there are more and more supermarkets, department stores and even large companies and factories with flexible working hours that are putting an end to this tradition.