More Semana Santa

“Semana Santa,” or Holy Week, is when Spain commemorates Jesus’ death and resurrection. I still remember when, in the early sixties, all cinemas, cafeterias, stores, etc. were closed on Holy Thursday and Holy Friday. Even driving a car downtown was prohibited during these two days. Now, the situation has dramatically changed and you will have the opportunity to experience the holidays yourself. Semana Santa is one of the major events in Spain that attracts many foreign visitors to watch the parades.
Beginning March 20, Palm Sunday, this special week is marked by the procession of the image of Christ on the road to Jerusalem. This procession is also called “La Borriquita,” the little female donkey, because the float portrays Jesus riding on the donkey. Children wearing white gowns with the Saint James Cross and carrying palms escort the procession. During the entire week thousands of people gather in the streets of almost every town in Spain, especially during late evening and night.
Every procession has a scheduled itinerary that must be followed. When two processions meet in an intersection, the modern one has to yield to the old one. This itinerary is called “Carrera Oficial.” The brothers and penitents who participate by escorting the floats wear the typical costume that covers them from head to toe. The stiff pointy hood is the most characteristic part of their costume. Each penitent also carries a large thick candle called “Cirio.”
Some of the brotherhoods, “hermandades,” date back to the Middle Ages and originate from medieval guilds that consisted of workers such as carpenters, sailors or traders. The majority of the “hermandades” have two floats, one dedicated to Jesus and another dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
The last day of Semana Santa is Easter, Resurrection Sunday. This day marks the beginning of the spring fairs and the bullfighting season.

http://rotacrony.com/Semana_Santa_Rota.htm