Holy Week marks a time of both mourning and celebrations across the world, as scores of gatherings and parades reflect the passion of Christ. Few countries, however, go as big as Spain.

For centuries, the processions of Semana Santa have accompanied Holy Week on the streets of Spain, and this year was no exception. All across the country, artisans rushed to craft regalia for the members of the cofradias, or brotherhoods, participating in the event. Children selected their fronds for Palm Sunday. Elsewhere, the church pulled their tronos, or thrones, from storage.  

The tronos are extravagant floats depicting both Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary and are typically the pinnacle of Semana Santa processions. The brotherhoods carry several of them through the streets during each day of the week, starting on Palm Sunday. It takes up to 250 men to carry one throne, with each float weighing close to a thousand pounds, and brothers could be carrying each throne for up to twelve hours. While this causes considerable pain for the men, their suffering is meant to honor the suffering of Christ’s passion. 

The cofradias, dressed in traditional clothing of “tall conical hats, monkish robes and facial hoods,” according to AP News, often extend their displays of penitence, wrapping chains and shackles around their feet, occasionally going barefoot. 

Some cities also include reenactments of certain biblical events. Actors (safely) recreate the violence committed against Christ, pantomiming the beatings He received, the carrying of His cross and finally, His crucifixion. Typically set on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, these processions are often swathed in silence, as onlookers reflect on the story being told. 

This past Easter Sunday, Spanish cities bustled with festivities. Vendors set up food stands and clothing shops, and bands marched up and down streets to play lively music proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus. For many, these processions are a time to reflect, pray, and celebrate Christ’s reunion with the Virgin Mary, closing out the most important annual religious celebration in Spain.