Holy Week in Málaga () is the annual commemoration of the
Passion of Jesus
The Passion (from Latin , "to suffer, bear, endure") is the short final period before the death of Jesus, described in the four canonical gospels. It is commemorated in Christianity every year during Holy Week.
The ''Passion'' may include, amo ...
in
Málaga
Málaga (; ) is a Municipalities in Spain, municipality of Spain, capital of the Province of Málaga, in the Autonomous communities of Spain, autonomous community of Andalusia. With a population of 591,637 in 2024, it is the second-most populo ...
, Spain. It takes place during the last week of
Lent
Lent (, 'Fortieth') is the solemn Christianity, Christian religious moveable feast#Lent, observance in the liturgical year in preparation for Easter. It echoes the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert and enduring Temptation of Christ, t ...
, the week immediately before
Easter
Easter, also called Pascha ( Aramaic: פַּסְחָא , ''paskha''; Greek: πάσχα, ''páskha'') or Resurrection Sunday, is a Christian festival and cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in t ...
. It is one of the city's main cultural and religious events.
During Holy Week, 42
brotherhoods (cofradía) make 45 processions through the streets of Málaga showing realistic wooden sculptures that depict scenes from the Passion, or images of the
Virgin Mary
Mary was a first-century Jewish woman of Nazareth, the wife of Saint Joseph, Joseph and the mother of Jesus. She is an important figure of Christianity, venerated under titles of Mary, mother of Jesus, various titles such as Perpetual virginity ...
showing sorrow.
Holy Week in Málaga was declared in 1965 to be a
Fiesta of International Tourist Interest of Spain.
Procession
Nazareno
In common with other
Holy Week events in Spain, some participants in the procession use a nazareno or penitential robe. This garment consists of a tunic, a
capirote
A capirote is a Christianity, Christian pointed hat of conical form that is used in Italy, Spain and Hispanic countries by members of a confraternity of penitents, particularly those of the Catholic Church. It is part of the uniform of such br ...
(hood with conical tip) used to conceal the face of the wearer, and sometimes a cloak. The fabrics normally used in these garments are velvet, damask, satin or twill. The nazarenos of some brotherhoods also include gloves,
scapular
A scapular () is a Western Christian garment suspended from the shoulders. There are two types of scapulars, the monastic and devotional scapular; both forms may simply be referred to as "scapular". As an object of popular piety, a scapular ...
s,
stoles and a tunic fastened with a
cincture
The cincture is a rope-like or ribbon-like article sometimes worn with certain Christian liturgical vestments, encircling the body around or above the waist. As usual with vestments, both the term and the object are taken from ordinary everyday ...
made of
esparto
Esparto, halfah grass, or esparto grass is a fiber produced from two species of perennial grasses of north Africa, Spain and Portugal. It is used for crafts, such as cords, basketry, and espadrilles. '' Stipa tenacissima'' and '' Lygeum spar ...
. The exact colors and forms of the robes depend on the particular brotherhood; in the Málaga procession, their colors are different in the sections of Christ and the Virgin. Usually, the nazarenos carry candles and go in front of the thrones at the leading segments.
Emblem
The majority of the brotherhoods carry a significant number of insignia in the procession that are carried by ''nazarenos'':
*Cross guide (the so-called ''Cruz de Guía'' - Guiding Cross) is carried at the beginning of each procession and is responsible for guiding it.
* Banner (the so-called ''Guión'') is an emblem of the ''cofradía'' in the form of a folded flag, that carries in the center of the flag
embroidered
Embroidery is the art of decorating Textile, fabric or other materials using a Sewing needle, needle to stitch Yarn, thread or yarn. It is one of the oldest forms of Textile arts, textile art, with origins dating back thousands of years across ...
in thread of gold and silk the shield or arms of the brotherhood.
* Senatus is the name with which it is known to an emblem that serves to recall the time of the
Roman Empire
The Roman Empire ruled the Mediterranean and much of Europe, Western Asia and North Africa. The Roman people, Romans conquered most of this during the Roman Republic, Republic, and it was ruled by emperors following Octavian's assumption of ...
, the period wherein the events of the
Passion of Jesus Christ are set. It bears the letters
SPQR
SPQR or S.P.Q.R., an initialism for (; ), is an emblematic phrase referring to the government of the Roman Republic. It appears on documents made public by an inscription in stone or metal, in dedications of monuments and public works, and on ...
, which is an acronym for the
Latin
Latin ( or ) is a classical language belonging to the Italic languages, Italic branch of the Indo-European languages. Latin was originally spoken by the Latins (Italic tribe), Latins in Latium (now known as Lazio), the lower Tiber area aroun ...
expression Senatus Populusque Romanus (Senate and people of Rome).
* Book of Rules (in Spanish ''Libro de Reglas'') is a book that contains the norms and rules of the Brotherhood.

* Standard (the so-called ''Estandarte'') is an insignia, sometimes
embroidered
Embroidery is the art of decorating Textile, fabric or other materials using a Sewing needle, needle to stitch Yarn, thread or yarn. It is one of the oldest forms of Textile arts, textile art, with origins dating back thousands of years across ...
in gold thread and luxuriously decorated, with a painting of the Christ or Virgin of each brotherhood.
Mantilla
Some processions are accompanied by women who wear
mantilla
A mantilla is a traditional female liturgical lace or silk veil or shawl worn over the head and shoulders, often over a high hair ornament called a '' peineta'', particularly popular with women in Spain and Latin America. Within Christendom, ...
s. It is formed by a black dress, a sign of
mourning
Mourning is the emotional expression in response to a major life event causing grief, especially loss. It typically occurs as a result of someone's death, especially a loved one.
The word is used to describe a complex of behaviors in which t ...
and pains, is accompanied by a mantilla, lace or silk veil or shawl worn over the head and back. The
peineta, similar in appearance to a large comb, is used to hold up the mantilla.
Acolyte
Before the throne are placed a group of six or eight
acolyte
An acolyte is an assistant or follower assisting the celebrant in a religious service or procession. In many Christian denominations, an acolyte is anyone performing ceremonial duties such as lighting altar candles. In others, the term is used f ...
s dressed in
vestments
Vestments are liturgical garments and articles associated primarily with the Christian religion, especially by Eastern Churches, Catholics (of all rites), Lutherans, and Anglicans. Many other groups also make use of liturgical garments; amo ...
, many of them wearing
dalmatic
The dalmatic is a long, wide-sleeved tunic, which serves as a liturgical vestment in the Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, United Methodist, and some other churches. When used, it is the proper vestment of a deacon at Mass, Holy Communion or other ...
s; the ''ceroferarios'' who carries the ''ciriales'' or processional
candlestick; and the ''thurifers'' who carries the
thurible where
incense
Incense is an aromatic biotic material that releases fragrant smoke when burnt. The term is used for either the material or the aroma. Incense is used for aesthetic reasons, religious worship, aromatherapy, meditation, and ceremonial reasons. It ...
is burned and it is dispersed.
Throne
The thrones, in others places called
pasos, are enormous platforms where are located the sculptures that depict different scenes from the gospels related to the
Passion of Christ
The Passion (from latin language, Latin , "to suffer, bear, endure") is the short final period before the death of Jesus in Christianity, Jesus, described in the four canonical gospels. It is commemorated in Christianity every year during Holy ...
or the
Sorrows of Virgin Mary. Each brotherhood usually exhibit two thrones, the first one would be a sculpted scene of the
Passion, or image of
Christ
Jesus ( AD 30 or 33), also referred to as Jesus Christ, Jesus of Nazareth, and many other names and titles, was a 1st-century Jewish preacher and religious leader. He is the Jesus in Christianity, central figure of Christianity, the M ...
; and the second an image of the
Virgin Mary
Mary was a first-century Jewish woman of Nazareth, the wife of Saint Joseph, Joseph and the mother of Jesus. She is an important figure of Christianity, venerated under titles of Mary, mother of Jesus, various titles such as Perpetual virginity ...
, known as a ''
dolorosa''.
The structure of the thrones, known as , is richly carved in wood,
silver
Silver is a chemical element; it has Symbol (chemistry), symbol Ag () and atomic number 47. A soft, whitish-gray, lustrous transition metal, it exhibits the highest electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and reflectivity of any metal. ...
,
bronze
Bronze is an alloy consisting primarily of copper, commonly with about 12–12.5% tin and often with the addition of other metals (including aluminium, manganese, nickel, or zinc) and sometimes non-metals (such as phosphorus) or metalloid ...
or
nickel silver
Nickel silver, maillechort, German silver, argentan, new silver, nickel brass, albata, or alpacca is a cupronickel (copper with nickel) alloy with the addition of zinc. The usual formulation is 60% copper, 20% nickel and 20% zinc. Nickel silver ...
and some gilt with
gold leaf
upA gold nugget of 5 mm (0.2 in) in diameter (bottom) can be expanded through hammering into a gold foil of about 0.5 m2 (5.4 sq ft). The Japan.html" ;"title="Toi gold mine museum, Japan">Toi gold mine museum, Japan.
Gold leaf is gold that has ...
. In each of the corners of the is placed the (
candelabra) or
lantern
A lantern is a source of lighting, often portable. It typically features a protective enclosure for the light sourcehistorically usually a candle, a oil lamp, wick in oil, or a thermoluminescence, thermoluminescent Gas mantle, mesh, and often a ...
to illuminate the image or sculptural group that is located in the upper part of the .

The thrones of Christ are adorned at the top with carpet of flowers such as
carnation
''Dianthus caryophyllus'' ( ), commonly known as carnation or clove pink, is a species of ''Dianthus'' native to the Mediterranean Basin, Mediterranean region. Its exact natural range is uncertain due to extensive cultivation over the last 2,00 ...
s or
iris, or a mountain of
corks, while most of the Virgin's thrones are covered by an ornate canopy secured to the by 12 or 16 palio bars. From the front, back and sides of the canopy hang the ''bambalinas'', velvet or mesh
draperies
Drapery is a general word referring to cloths or textiles (Old French , from Late Latin">-4; we might wonder whether there's a point at which it's appropriate to talk of the beginnings of French, that is, when it wa ... , from Late Latin ). It ma ...
embroidered in gold, plate and silk. In front of the image of the Virgin is placed the ''candelería'', a set of
candlesticks which are placed in a stepped layout.
Thrones are carried on the shoulders of men and women, called men of thrones or bearers, through long bars or beams called ''varales'', which usually measure between 8 and 14 meters long. Each throne has 6 or 8 ''varales'' depending on the size of the throne. Depending on weight, some can weigh up to 5
tonne
The tonne ( or ; symbol: t) is a unit of mass equal to 1,000 kilograms. It is a non-SI unit accepted for use with SI. It is also referred to as a metric ton in the United States to distinguish it from the non-metric units of the s ...
s, a throne requires between 120 and 270 ''portadores'' (bearers) to move. Each person can carry between 20 and 40 kilograms of weight,
during the time of the procession, from 6 to 14 hours.
At the front of the throne's ''varales'' there is a big bell. This is rung with a hammer by the Throne Butler (the chief of the Throne Men) to guide and stop to rest the bearers.
Sculpture
The
sculpture
Sculpture is the branch of the visual arts that operates in three dimensions. Sculpture is the three-dimensional art work which is physically presented in the dimensions of height, width and depth. It is one of the plastic arts. Durable sc ...
s are located at the top of the throne and are the central axis of each brotherhood, most of the sculptures are
carved wood (or recently,
polychrome
Polychrome is the "practice of decorating architectural elements, sculpture, etc., in a variety of colors." The term is used to refer to certain styles of architecture, pottery, or sculpture in multiple colors.
When looking at artworks and ...
), often life-size or somewhat smaller. Some of these carvings are great works of art with centuries of antiquity,
although unfortunately during the
burning of churches and convents in the 1931 riots, a great number of these sculptures were destroyed, between them the great majority of works of
Pedro de Mena y Medrano.
After the
Civil War
A civil war is a war between organized groups within the same Sovereign state, state (or country). The aim of one side may be to take control of the country or a region, to achieve independence for a region, or to change government policies.J ...
, authors such as
Mariano Benlliure y Gil,
Francisco Palma Burgos,
Antonio Castillo Lastrucci or
José-Navas Parejo Pérez began to make new sculptures to replace the destroyed works.
These sculptures are in their respective
church
Church may refer to:
Religion
* Church (building), a place/building for Christian religious activities and praying
* Church (congregation), a local congregation of a Christian denomination
* Church service, a formalized period of Christian comm ...
es and
chapel
A chapel (from , a diminutive of ''cappa'', meaning "little cape") is a Christianity, Christian place of prayer and worship that is usually relatively small. The term has several meanings. First, smaller spaces inside a church that have their o ...
s during the rest of the year where they receive veneration.

The images of Jesus are situated on the first throne, which represents a biblical passage of the
Gospel
Gospel originally meant the Christianity, Christian message ("the gospel"), but in the second century Anno domino, AD the term (, from which the English word originated as a calque) came to be used also for the books in which the message w ...
s:
triumphal entry into Jerusalem
The triumphal entry into Jerusalem is a narrative in the four canonical Gospels describing the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem a few days before his crucifixion. This event is celebrated each year by Christians on Palm Sunday.
According to the ...
,
Jesus carrying the cross,
Jesus crucified,
descent from the Cross
The Descent from the Cross (, ''Apokathelosis''), or Deposition of Christ, is the scene, as depicted in art, from the Gospels' accounts of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus taking Christ down from the cross after his crucifixion (John 19, ). I ...
, etc. Depending on the scene depicted the carving of Jesus may appear alone or accompanied by other statues related to the biblical passage. Some images of Christ wear tunics, smooth or richly embroidered over much of its surface.
In the second throne is located the Virgin of Sorrow, mostly alone but sometimes accompanied by sculpture
St. John the Evangelist. The statue of the Virgin usually is of a mannequin, with only the hands and the head carved. The body and arms are covered with luxurious dresses embroidered with gold and silver thread as well as colored
silk
Silk is a natural fiber, natural protein fiber, some forms of which can be weaving, woven into textiles. The protein fiber of silk is composed mainly of fibroin and is most commonly produced by certain insect larvae to form cocoon (silk), c ...
s.
Around the head is placed a
veil
A veil is an article of clothing or hanging cloth that is intended to cover some part of the human head, head or face, or an object of some significance. Veiling has a long history in European, Asian, and African societies. The practice has be ...
and usually carry a
crown
A crown is a traditional form of head adornment, or hat, worn by monarchs as a symbol of their power and dignity. A crown is often, by extension, a symbol of the monarch's government or items endorsed by it. The word itself is used, parti ...
or
halo
HALO, halo, halos or haloes may refer to:
Most common meanings
* Halo (optical phenomenon)
* Halo (religious iconography), a ring of light around the image of a head
* ''Halo'' (franchise), a sci-fi video game series (2001–2021)
Arts and en ...
. In the back is placed long capes embroidered in gold and silver thread and taking forms that are generally inspired by vegetable motifs, in Malaga these capes can reach up to 8 meters in length.
Music
;Bands
Most of the thrones are accompanied by
marching band
A marching band is a group of instrumental musicians who play while marching. Historically they were used in armed forces and many marching bands remain military bands. Others are still associated with military units or emulate a military sty ...
s. Each procession usually has 3 bands, the first band, a
drum and bugle band is located behind the lead cross. The second band walks behind the first float, this
band is usually of
bugles and drums,
military band
A military band is a group of personnel that performs musical duties for military functions, usually for the armed forces. A typical military band consists mostly of wind instrument, wind and percussion instruments. The conducting, conductor of a ...
or
concert band
A concert band, also called a wind band, wind ensemble, wind symphony, wind orchestra, symphonic band, the symphonic winds, or symphonic wind ensemble, is a performing ensemble consisting of members of the woodwind instrument, woodwind, brass ...
with
woodwind instrument
Woodwind instruments are a family of musical instruments within the greater category of wind instruments.
Common examples include flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, and saxophone. There are two main types of woodwind instruments: flutes and ...
,
brass instrument
A brass instrument is a musical instrument that produces sound by Sympathetic resonance, sympathetic vibration of air in a tubular resonator in sympathy with the vibration of the player's lips. The term ''labrosone'', from Latin elements meani ...
and
percussion
A percussion instrument is a musical instrument that is sounded by being struck or scraped by a percussion mallet, beater including attached or enclosed beaters or Rattle (percussion beater), rattles struck, scraped or rubbed by hand or ...
. Finally, the throne of the virgin is only accompanied by a
concert band
A concert band, also called a wind band, wind ensemble, wind symphony, wind orchestra, symphonic band, the symphonic winds, or symphonic wind ensemble, is a performing ensemble consisting of members of the woodwind instrument, woodwind, brass ...
. Many of these bands are created by the brotherhoods themselves, a few being made up of personnel of the Armed Forces.
These bands play processional
marches
In medieval Europe, a march or mark was, in broad terms, any kind of borderland, as opposed to a state's "heartland". More specifically, a march was a border between realms or a neutral buffer zone under joint control of two states in which diffe ...
during processions, most of these marches have been created to accompany the movement of the thrones. It is a tradition that the
Marcha Real
The (; ) is the national anthem of Spain. It is one of only four national anthems in the world – along with those of National Anthem of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Inno Nazionale della Repubblica, San Marino and Anthem o ...
is played at the departure and entrance of the images in the home churches or chapels of the confraternities and once it is played, everyone pays respect to the anthem (military, police and fire personnel out of formation salute when it is performed).
;Saeta
As throughout the Spanish world, and especially in
Andalucía
Andalusia ( , ; , ) is the southernmost autonomous communities of Spain, autonomous community in Peninsular Spain, located in the south of the Iberian Peninsula, in southwestern Europe. It is the most populous and the second-largest autonomou ...
, during the processions
saetas are sung to the sculptures. The saeta is a religious song, generally improvised and without accompaniment, which is usually sung from a balcony or on the street. It is a melody of free and full of lyricism. It recalls the style of
cante jondo
''Cante jondo'' () is a vocal style in flamenco, an unspoiled form of Andalusian folk music. The name means "deep song" in Spanish, with ''hondo'' ("deep") spelled with J () as a form of eye dialect, because traditional Andalusian pronunciation ...
typical of the musical tradition of
flamenco
Flamenco () is an art form based on the various folkloric music traditions of southern Spain, developed within the Gitanos, gitano subculture of the region of Andalusia, and also having historical presence in Extremadura and Region of Murcia, ...
.
The Route
Brotherhood house
This is the place from which the great majority of the corporations begin their processional route, because the dimensions of the thrones do not allow them to begin the procession at their associated churches.
It is also where they keep the heritage throughout the year, occupying many positions in their museum during the rest of the year.
Official Route
In Holy Week, the official route is made up of those streets that share each and every one of the brotherhoods.
During Holy Week, the brotherhoods of
Málaga
Málaga (; ) is a Municipalities in Spain, municipality of Spain, capital of the Province of Málaga, in the Autonomous communities of Spain, autonomous community of Andalusia. With a population of 591,637 in 2024, it is the second-most populo ...
leave their temple or brotherhood' house, to go to the official route that begins in the ''Alameda Principal'' and follows the ''Larios'' roundabout, ''Marqués de Larios'' street, Constitution Square and Granada street.
This route has a distance of about 850 meters. After this route, the brotherhoods continue their own journey returning to their brotherhood or temples of origin, or enter the
Cathedral
A cathedral is a church (building), church that contains the of a bishop, thus serving as the central church of a diocese, Annual conferences within Methodism, conference, or episcopate. Churches with the function of "cathedral" are usually s ...
to establish their penitence station.
The Association of Holy Brotherhoods of Malaga places on the official route around 16,000 chairs and several grandstands, among which the Constitution Square Grandstand stands out among the rest, as it is where the city mayor and members of the city council are assembled to witness the procession of the images.
The Rostrum of the Poor
At the end of
Carretería Street from Málaga, at the confluence with the Santa Isabel Hall, there is a staircase which at Holy Week becomes a natural tribune to witness the processions of Malaga. Some brotherhoods are expected there with great enthusiasm and popular fervor. It is called this because it is free and in contrast to the Official Rostrum, located in Constitution Square where the authorities are sat.
Of the 45 processions participating in Holy Week, 28 pass through this place.
Cathedral
Some brotherhoods make a
penitential station inside the
Cathedral of Malaga. There are 15 cofradías that enter the Cathedral. The remaining corporations do not station in the Cathedral due essentially to the large size of their thrones, which prevents them from entering the Cathedral thru the main gates.
Previous Days
Procession
Prior to
Holy Week
Holy Week () commemorates the seven days leading up to Easter. It begins with the commemoration of Triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, marks the betrayal of Jesus on Spy Wednesday (Holy Wednes ...
, especially the
Friday of Sorrows
The Friday of Sorrows or Passion Friday is a solemn pious remembrance of the sorrowful Blessed Virgin Mary on the Friday before Palm Sunday held in the fifth week of Lent (formerly called "Passion Week"). In the Anglican Ordinariate's Divine Wors ...
and the
Saturday of Passion, some brotherhoods make processions. These brotherhoods are usually historical confraternities of neighborhoods very far from the center, as the ''Brotherhood of the Sorrows'' from
Puerto de la Torre or ''Brotherhood of the Sorrows'' from
Churriana, or young brotherhoods that still do not belong to the Group of Confraternities, so even they can not go through the official route.
Transfers
The transfers are small processions in which usually only one throne of reduced dimensions which carry the two sculptures of the brotherhood. They aim to move the statues of their temple to the Brotherhood' House. They usually take place the week before Holy Week, although some brotherhoods carry out during Holy Week.
Some of these transfers are well known and awaited with great expectation, such as that of Jesus Captive who visits the patients of the Civil Hospital or the Christ of the Good Death on the morning of Holy Thursday made by the
Legion, they arrive by boat to the
port of Málaga,
from there they move to the
Church of Santo Domingo to transfer the Christ of the Good Death to his throne, which is in the brotherhood' house next to the church.
The Days of Holy Week
During the days of Holy Week, 41 brotherhoods, belonging to the Brotherhoods Association, carry out 45 penitential processions through the streets of Malaga, the following list shows these "cofradías" by day and order of passage by the official route.
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday is the Christian moveable feast that falls on the Sunday before Easter. The feast commemorates Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem, an event mentioned in each of the four canonical Gospels. Its name originates from the palm bran ...
The first day of Holy Week is also the day where more brotherhoods go in procession, as nine brotherhoods take the streets from different neighborhoods of the city.
* Confraternity of Pollinica (''
Cofradía de la Pollinica''). Beginning at 10 o'clock in the morning with the departure of Our Father Jesus at His Entrance in Jerusalem and Mary Most Holy of Protection, traditionally known as the "Pollinica". It was founded in 1911 and represents the moment of Jesus at his
triumphal entry into Jerusalem
The triumphal entry into Jerusalem is a narrative in the four canonical Gospels describing the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem a few days before his crucifixion. This event is celebrated each year by Christians on Palm Sunday.
According to the ...
. It is the brotherhood that has increased participation of children, their presence a signal that Holy Week has begun.
* Mary Most Holy of Tears and Favors. (''María Santísima de Lágrimas y Favores''). An hour later from the
Church of Saint John, the Virgin of Tears and Favors, belonging to the
Royal Merged Confraternities, will take to the street, in this procession, actor
Antonio Banderas
José Antonio Domínguez Bandera (born 10 August 1960), known professionally as Antonio Banderas, is a Spanish actor. Known for his work in films of several genres, he has received numerous accolades, including a Cannes Film Festival Award ...
participates as a Throne Butler. His presence in recent years makes this procession one of the more covered by the press.
*Brotherhood of Humility and Patience . (''
Hermandad de Humildad y Paciencia''). From the neighborhood of ''
Cruz de Humilladero'' processions for 10 hours the brotherhood of the Most Holy Christ of Humility and Patience, represents the moment before the
crucifixion
Crucifixion is a method of capital punishment in which the condemned is tied or nailed to a large wooden cross, beam or stake and left to hang until eventual death. It was used as a punishment by the Achaemenid Empire, Persians, Ancient Carthag ...
in which Jesus retires to pray while preparing the
cross
A cross is a religious symbol consisting of two Intersection (set theory), intersecting Line (geometry), lines, usually perpendicular to each other. The lines usually run vertically and horizontally. A cross of oblique lines, in the shape of t ...
, and Mary Most Holy of Sorrows and Hope.
*Brotherhood of Humility (''
Hermandad de la Humildad''). The brotherhood performs its processional from the Sanctuary of Holy Mary of Victory and of Mercy.
It represents the moment in which
Pontius Pilate
Pontius Pilate (; ) was the Roman administration of Judaea (AD 6–135), fifth governor of the Judaea (Roman province), Roman province of Judaea, serving under Emperor Tiberius from 26/27 to 36/37 AD. He is best known for being the official wh ...
utters the words
Ecce homo
''Ecce homo'' (, , ; "behold the man") are the Latin words used by Pontius Pilate in the Vulgate translation of the Gospel of John, when he presents a scourged Jesus, bound and crowned with thorns, to a hostile crowd shortly before his crucif ...
when he presents a scourged Jesus Christ, bound and
crowned with thorns to a hostile crowd shortly.
*Archconfraternity of the Prayer in the Garden (''
Archicofradía de la Oración en el Huerto''). It was founded in 1920, the result of a merger between two brotherhoods. The statues are Our Father Jesus Praying in the Garden, which shows Jesus
praying in the Garden of
Gethsemane
Gethsemane ( ) is a garden at the foot of the Mount of Olives in East Jerusalem, where, according to the four Gospels of the New Testament, Jesus Christ underwent the Agony in the Garden and was arrested before his crucifixion. The garden is ...
,
and Our Lady of the Conception.
*Brotherhood of Health (''
Hermandad de la Salud''). It leaves the
Church of Saint Paul, in the neighbourhood known as
La Trinidad. The statues shows the Most Holy Christ of Hope in his Great Love just after his
crucifixion
Crucifixion is a method of capital punishment in which the condemned is tied or nailed to a large wooden cross, beam or stake and left to hang until eventual death. It was used as a punishment by the Achaemenid Empire, Persians, Ancient Carthag ...
and another one of Mary Most Holy of Health.
*Brotherhood of the Sweet Name (''
Hermandad del Dulce Nombre''). Coming from the neighborhood of Capuchinos, The
sculptural group of Our Father Jesus of Solitude symbolizes the
denials of Saint Peter while the
cock crows. Behind it is the throne of Mary Most Holy of the Sweet Name.
*Brotherhood of the Salutation (''
Hermandad de Salutación''). This brotherhood starts from
Saint Philip Neri Church, Jesus Nazarene of the Salutation represents the moment in which Jesus, in his way to
Calvary
Calvary ( or ) or Golgotha () was a site immediately outside Jerusalem's walls where, according to Christianity's four canonical gospels, Jesus was crucified.
Since at least the early medieval period, it has been a destination for pilgrimage. ...
, meets with the women and
Saint Veronica and she gave him her
veil
A veil is an article of clothing or hanging cloth that is intended to cover some part of the human head, head or face, or an object of some significance. Veiling has a long history in European, Asian, and African societies. The practice has be ...
that he might wipe his forehead.
*Brotherhood of the Arrest (''
Hermandad del Prendimiento''). The other brotherhood of the day of the neighborhood of Capuchinos, Our Father Jesus of the Arrest has its throne representing the moment of the
arrest of Jesus
The arrest of Jesus was a pivotal event in Christianity recorded in the canonical gospels. It occurred shortly after the Last Supper (during which Jesus gave his final sermon), and immediately after the kiss of Judas, which is traditionally sa ...
and the
kiss of Judas
The kiss of Judas, also known as the Betrayal of Christ, is the act with which Judas identified Jesus to the multitude with swords and clubs who had come from the chief priests and elders of the people to arrest him, according to the Synoptic ...
. In the second throne is placed Mary Most Holy of Great Forgiveness.
Holy Monday
On Holy Monday, six brotherhoods go in procession through the streets of Malaga.
*Brotherhood of the Crucifixion (''
Hermandad de la Crucifixión''). It is the youngest brotherhood of the day, founded in 1977. The sculptures are the Most Holy Christ of the Crucifixion, which shows the moment in which he having been
crucified, the Romans proceed to the distribution and lottery of their clothes, while the
Penitent Thief
The Penitent Thief, also known as the Good Thief, Wise Thief, Grateful Thief, or Thief on the Cross, is one of two unnamed thieves in Luke's account of the crucifixion of Jesus in the New Testament. The Gospel of Luke describes him asking Jesu ...
and the
Impenitent Thief await their execution, and Mary Most Holy of Major Sorrow in her Solitude.
*Brotherhood of the Gypsies (''
Hermandad de los Gitanos''), The brotherhood of
Our Father Jesus of the Column and Mary Most Holy of the O is known as "The Gypsies"
by the number of gypsies who go back as devotees singing and dancing
flamenco
Flamenco () is an art form based on the various folkloric music traditions of southern Spain, developed within the Gitanos, gitano subculture of the region of Andalusia, and also having historical presence in Extremadura and Region of Murcia, ...
.
*Confraternity of the Sorrows of the Bridge (''
Cofradía de los Dolores del Puente'') The Most Holy Christ of Forgiveness represents the moment when Jesus says to the
Good Thief, "Amen I say to you today you will be with me in Paradise". Meanwhile, Our Lady Crowned of Sorrows is a carving from the 18th century.
*Archconfraternity of the Passion (''
Archicofradía de Pasión''). It leaves from the
Church of Saints Cyriacus and Paula. The sculpture of Our Father Jesus of the Passion represents
Jesus carrying the cross helped by
Simon of Cyrene
Simon of Cyrene (, Standard Hebrew ''Šimʿon'', Tiberian Hebrew ''Šimʿôn''; , ''Simōn Kyrēnaios'') was the man compelled by the Romans to carry the cross of Jesus of Nazareth as Jesus was taken to his crucifixion, according to all three ...
, is one of the most notable pieces of
Luis Ortega Bru. Behind is the throne of Mary Most Holy Sorrowful of Love.
*Brotherhood of the Students (''
Hermandad de los Estudiantes'') The Brotherhood of the Holy Christ
Crowned of Thorns and Our Lady of Grace and Hope is the procession that more Nazarenos participate. This brotherhood is linked to the
University of Málaga.
During the procession the
Gaudeamus igitur is sung by the bearers as they carry the image of Christ.
*Confraternity of the Captive (''
Cofradía del Cautivo''). It departs from the neighborhood of La Trinidad. Our Father Jesus Captive, known as ''the Lord of Málaga'', is one of the sculptures with the most devotees in the city.
Every year thousands of people march behind as devotees. Behind it is Mary Most Holy Crowned of the Trinity, who also has a lot of devotion.
Holy Tuesday
Six other brotherhoods participate in the processions this day through the streets of Málaga.
*Brotherhood of the Dew (''
Hermandad del Rocío''). It comes from the neighborhood of La Victoria. The brotherhood of Our Father Jesus Nazarene of the Steps on Mount Calvary and Mary Most Holy Crowned of the Dew, known as the ''Bride of Málaga'', is one of the most popular in Holy Week.
The statue of Jesus represents
one of the three falls while
carrying the cross.
*Brotherhood of the Pains (''
Hermandad de las Penas''). On the first throne, the Most Holy Christ of the Agony represents the moments before his
death on the cross. Meanwhile, Mary Most Holy of the Pains is known for the cape of flowers that she carries made by the gardeners of the Town Council.
*Brotherhood of New Hope (''
Hermandad de Nueva Esperanza''). From the neighborhood of Nueva Málaga leaves the brotherhood with the longest route in Holy Week, with a 14 hour procession. The sculptures are Jesus Nazarene of Forgiveness, which is a sculpture of
Jesus carrying the cross, and Mary Most Holy of New Hope.
*Brotherhood of the Star (''
Hermandad de la Estrella''). This brotherhood is formed by Our Father Jesus of Humiliation and Forgiveness, which represents the moment of
Herod's contempt, and Mary Most Holy of the Star, a sculpture of the 18th century.
*Brotherhood of the Rescue (''
Hermandad del Rescate'') The second brotherhood of the day from La Victoria district. Our Father Jesus of the Rescue represents the
Arrest of Jesus
The arrest of Jesus was a pivotal event in Christianity recorded in the canonical gospels. It occurred shortly after the Last Supper (during which Jesus gave his final sermon), and immediately after the kiss of Judas, which is traditionally sa ...
in the
Garden of Gethsemane.
The second statue corresponds to Mary Most Holy of Grace.
Both sculptures are the work of
Antonio Castillo Lastrucci.
*Brotherhood of the Sentence (''
Hermandad de la Sentencia''). The last brotherhood of the day is formed by Our Father Jesus of the Sentence, showing
Pilate's court, and Mary Most Holy of the Rosary in her Sorrowful Mysteries.
Holy Wednesday
In Christianity, Holy Wednesday commemorates the Bargain of Judas as a clandestine spy among the disciples. It is also called Spy Wednesday, or Good Wednesday (in Western Christianity), and Great and Holy Wednesday (in Eastern Christianity).
In ...
On this day, some of the oldest and most traditional brotherhoods participate in the processions.
7 brotherhoods with 15 thrones in total take to the streets of the city.
*Brotherhood of the Mediatrix (''
Hermandad de la Mediadora''). It is one of the "cofradías" with the longest route, being also the last to join the Group of Confraternities. They carry the icons of Our Father Jesus Nazarene Redeemer of the World and Our Lady Mediatrix of Salvation.
*Brotherhood of Salesians (''
Hermandad de Salesianos''). This brotherhood is one of the few with a single throne, the Holy Christ of Pains and Mary Most Holy of Help. It represents the moment when
Jesus crucified in the presence of his
own mother and of
Saint John the Apostle
John the Apostle (; ; ), also known as Saint John the Beloved and, in Eastern Orthodox Christianity, Saint John the Theologian, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus according to the New Testament. Generally listed as the youngest apostle, he ...
, said to his mother "
Woman, behold your son" and he said to the disciple, "
Behold your mother".
*Royal Merged Confraternities (''
Reales Cofradías Fusionadas''). Departing from the
Church of Saint John,
this brotherhood brings to the street 4 thrones.
The first with Jesus of Scourges and the Column shows the moment of the
flagellation of Christ
The Flagellation of Christ, in art sometimes known as Christ at the Column or the Scourging at the Pillar, is an episode from the Passion of Jesus as presented in the Gospels. As such, it is frequently shown in Christian art, in cycles of the Pas ...
. The next corresponds to the Most Holy Christ of the Exaltation, which represents Jesus at the time of the raising of the
Holy Cross in
Golgotha
Calvary ( or ) or Golgotha () was a site immediately outside Jerusalem's walls where, according to Christianity's four canonical gospels, Jesus was crucified.
Since at least the early medieval period, it has been a destination for pilgrimage. ...
. The third throne carries the sculpture of the Most Holy Christ of the Souls of the Blind, which was made in 1649 by the sculptor
Pedro de Zayas, and which corresponds to the moment when
Jesus had died on the Cross. It is accompanied by the
Paratrooper Brigade.
The last sculpture corresponds to Our Lady of Major Sorrow.
*Brotherhood of the Dove (''
Hermandad de la Paloma''). Mary Most Holy of the Dove is carried by 280 bearers on one of the heaviest thrones.
Throughout the procession hundreds of pigeons fly around the throne.
The first statue, Our Father Jesus of the Bridge of Kidron, represents the moment when Jesus, after being
caught
Caught is a method of dismissing a batsman in cricket. A batsman is out caught if the batsman hits the ball, from a legitimate delivery, with the bat, and the ball is caught by the bowler or a fielder before it hits the ground.
If the catch ...
in the
Garden of Olives, is taken to
the house of
Annas, passing through a
stream
A stream is a continuous body of water, body of surface water Current (stream), flowing within the stream bed, bed and bank (geography), banks of a channel (geography), channel. Depending on its location or certain characteristics, a strea ...
called
Kidron.
*Confraternity of Jesus "The Rich" (''
Cofradía de Jesús "El Rico"'') The icon of Our Father Jesus Nazarene Titled "The Rich" represents
Jesus carrying the cross. Each year, since the mid-18th century, the brotherhood releases a prisoner, ceremony that was established by
Carlos III.
The other sculpture being paraded corresponds to Mary Most Holy of Love.
*Archconfraternity of the Blood (''
Archicofradía de la Sangre''). It is the oldest brotherhood of the Holy Week of Malaga, founded in 1507. The sculptural group of the Most Holy Christ of the Blood represents the moment when
Saint Longinus pierced Jesus in his side with a
lance
The English term lance is derived, via Middle English '' launce'' and Old French '' lance'', from the Latin '' lancea'', a generic term meaning a wikt:lancea#Noun">lancea'', a generic term meaning a spear">wikt:lancea#Noun">lancea'', a generi ...
.
In the second throne is located Mary Most Holy of Consolation and Tears.
*Archconfraternity of the Expiration (''
Archicofradía de la Expiración''). The Most Holy Christ of the Expiration is a masterpiece of
Mariano Benlliure y Gil, representing the last breath of Christ. Behind it is Mary Most Holy Crowned of Sorrows, carried on one of the heaviest thrones of Holy Week. Joining them is a contingent from the
Civil Guard.
Holy Thursday
Maundy Thursday, also referred to as Holy Thursday, or Thursday of the Lord's Supper, among other names,The day is also known as Great and Holy Thursday, Holy and Great Thursday, Covenant Thursday, Sheer Thursday, and Thursday of Mysteries. is ...
Holy Thursday is another day where some of the most popular and historic brotherhoods take part. 8 brotherhoods participate on this day.
*Brotherhood of the Holy Cross (''
Hermandad de la Santa Cruz''). The first procession is the brotherhood of the Holy Cross, which begins at about 15:15 from the
Church of Saint Philip Neri.
* Brotherhood of the Holy Supper (''
Hermandad de la Sagrada Cena''). The first throne represents the
Last Supper
Image:The Last Supper - Leonardo Da Vinci - High Resolution 32x16.jpg, 400px, alt=''The Last Supper'' by Leonardo da Vinci - Clickable Image, ''The Last Supper (Leonardo), The Last Supper'' (1495-1498). Mural, tempera on gesso, pitch and mastic ...
of Jesus with his
apostles, being one of the heaviest thrones of Christ of Holy Week. In the second throne is located Mary Most Holy of Peace.
*Brotherhood of the Vineyard Owners (''
Hermandad de Viñeros''). This brotherhood was founded by
viticulturists from
Málaga
Málaga (; ) is a Municipalities in Spain, municipality of Spain, capital of the Province of Málaga, in the Autonomous communities of Spain, autonomous community of Andalusia. With a population of 591,637 in 2024, it is the second-most populo ...
in the year 1615. The sculptures correspond to Our Father Jesus Nazarene of the Vineyard Owners, which represents
Jesus carrying the cross, and Our Lady of Transfer and Solitude of the Vineyard Owners.
*Congregation of Mena (''
Congregación de Mena''). It is one of the most popular brotherhoods. The Most Holy Christ of the Good Death is accompanied throughout the procession by the
Spanish Legion
For centuries, Spain recruited foreign soldiers to its army, forming the foreign regiments () such as the Regiment of Hibernia (formed in 1709 from Irishmen who fled their own country in the wake of the Flight of the Earls and the Penal la ...
while they sing ''El novio de la Muerte'' (The Bridegroom of Death).
The image of Our Lady Crowned of Solitude is carried on a second throne.
It is one of the biggest and most covered of the processions, with full-blown media coverage given to the Legion and its veterans attending the rites.
*Brotherhood of Mercy (''
Hermandad de la Misericordia''). It comes from the
church of the Carmel in the neighborhood of
El Perchel. It has the thrones of Our Father Jesus of Mercy, which depicts
Jesus' fall with the cross, and Our Lady of Great Power. The Procession is accompanied by the
Spanish Air Force
The Spanish Air and Space Force () is the aerial and space warfare branch of the Spanish Armed Forces.
History
Early stages
Hot air balloons have been used with military purposes in Spain as far back as 1896. In 1905, with the help of Al ...
.
* Brotherhood of Zamarrilla (''
Hermandad de Zamarrilla''). The Most Holy Christ of the Miracles shows
Jesus dying on the cross, while the Mary Most Holy Crowned of Bitterness "Zamarilla" is known as such
due to the legend of the
brigand
Brigandage is the life and practice of highway robbery and plunder. It is practiced by a brigand, a person who is typically part of a gang and lives by pillage and robbery.Oxford English Dictionary second edition, 1989. "Brigand.2" first record ...
Zamarilla who fled from the guards. He hid under the cape of the Virgin and got to escape, so as gratitude he placed to the Virgin a white rose which turned red. Since then, the Virgin's image carries a red rose on her chest and is known as the Virgin of Zamarrilla.
*Archconfraternity of Hope (''
Archicofradía de la Esperanza''). This brotherhood, which dates back to the 16th century, is one of the most popular of Holy Week.
The image of Jesus Nazarene of the Step on the first throne, the work of
Mariano Benlliure y Gil, shows
Jesus carrying the cross and every year makes the blessing to the people of Málaga in the Plaza de la Constitución. The second image is of Mary Most Holy Crowned of Hope, which has much devotion.
*Most Holy Christ of the True Cross and Blood (''Santísimo Cristo de la Vera+Cruz y Sangre''). Belonging to the ''
Royal Merged Confraternities'', the Most Holy Christ of the
True Cross
According to Christian tradition, the True Cross is the real instrument of Jesus' crucifixion, cross on which Jesus of Nazareth was Crucifixion of Jesus, crucified.
It is related by numerous historical accounts and Christian mythology, legends ...
and Blood is the oldest image of Christ in the city, dated in the 16th century. Its silent procession, the last of the night, is a unique feature of the festivities.
Good Friday
Good Friday, also known as Holy Friday, Great Friday, Great and Holy Friday, or Friday of the Passion of the Lord, is a solemn Christian holy day commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary (Golgotha). It is observed during ...
The "cofradías" that participate in this day usually are "cofradías" showing the seriousness of the occasion being marked.
*Archconfraternity of the Sorrows of San Juan (''
Archicofradía de Dolores de San Juan''). From the
Church of Saint John leaves this Brotherhood, with their images representing
Jesus dying on the cross and Our Lady of Sorrows. Each throne is accompanied by a musical chapel, basically a wind
chamber ensemble
Chamber music is a form of classical music that is composed for a small group of Musical instrument, instruments—traditionally a group that could fit in a Great chamber, palace chamber or a large room. Most broadly, it includes any art music ...
.
*Brotherhood of Mount Calvary (''
Hermandad del Monte Calvario''). This brotherhood begins from the
Shrine of Victory. The first throne shows the moment Jesus is wrapped in a shroud, while the second throne is an image of Holy Mary of Mount Calvary.
*Brotherhood of the Descent (''
Hermandad del Descendimiento''). The first throne represents the
descent of Christ from the cross, a sculpture of
Luis Ortega Bru. The second throne carries the image of Mary Most Holy of Anguishes. It has its location in the ''Hospital Noble'' next to the
bullring La Malagueta.
* Brotherhood of the Holy Transport (''
Hermandad del Santo Traslado''). It departs from the neighborhood of La Trinidad. The first throne represents the transfer of Christ to the
Sepulchre. In the second there is the statue of Our Lady of Solitude, one of the few virgins that do not go under canopy but she appears kneeling at the foot of the
cross
A cross is a religious symbol consisting of two Intersection (set theory), intersecting Line (geometry), lines, usually perpendicular to each other. The lines usually run vertically and horizontally. A cross of oblique lines, in the shape of t ...
.
* Brotherhood of Love (''
Hermandad del Amor''). This procession starts from the neighborhood of Victory, formed by the Most Holy Christ of Love,
Christ died on the cross dated in the 18th century, and Our Lady of Charity.
* Brotherhood of the Pieta (''
Hermandad de la Piedad''). The Brotherhood of
Pieta shows the Virgin Mary cradling the dead body of Jesus, after
the descent
''The Descent'' is a 2005 British horror film written and directed by Neil Marshall. The film stars actresses Shauna Macdonald, Natalie Mendoza, Alex Reid, Saskia Mulder, Nora-Jane Noone and MyAnna Buring. The plot follows six women who e ...
, known as the Pieta moment, its only throne. This contingent comes from the
neighborhood of El Molinillo.
* Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre (''
Hermandad del Santo Sepulcro''). It is the official brotherhood of the city for that reason in the procession the members of the local government participate.
In the first throne it shows
Jesus dead in the Sepulchre, the sculpture is carried on a magnificent catafalque designed by
José Moreno Carbonero and completed by local artist
Félix Granda y Álvarez Buylla in 1926. Traditionally, the
funeral march of
Chopin is played whenever this brotherhood marches.
In the second throne, stationed behind the Holy Sepulchre, is the image of Our Lady of Solitude, in mourning clothes. As it is the official brotherhood of Malaga, it is one of the more covered, with the Mayor of Malaga usually joining the brotherhood leading members of the City Council.
* Order of Services (''
Ordén de Servitas''). It has the privilege of closing the processions of Good Friday.
The image of Mary Most Holy of Sorrows, a work of Fernando Ortiz of the 18th century, is carried on the smallest throne of Holy Week. All street lights are turned off from the streets where the procession goes.
Easter Sunday
Easter, also called Pascha (Aramaic: פַּסְחָא , ''paskha''; Greek language, Greek: πάσχα, ''páskha'') or Resurrection Sunday, is a Christian festival and cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, de ...
The procession of the
Most Holy Christ Resurrected and Mary Most Holy Queen of the Heavens is the last procession of Holy Week. This procession is organized by the Group of Confraternities and in it all the brotherhoods attend.
The floats depict the meeting of Jesus and his Mother after He had been raised from the dead. Their presence signals the end of Holy Week celebrations in this city.
See also
*
Holy Week
Holy Week () commemorates the seven days leading up to Easter. It begins with the commemoration of Triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, marks the betrayal of Jesus on Spy Wednesday (Holy Wednes ...
*
Holy Week in Spain
Semana Santa or Holy Week in Spain (; ; ; ; ; ) is the annual tribute of the Passion of Jesus Christ celebrated by Catholic religious Confraternity, brotherhoods (Spanish: cofradías) and confraternities that perform penitential processions on th ...
*
Fiestas of International Tourist Interest of Spain
The title of Fiesta of International Tourist Interest (, , / , ) is an honorary distinction that is given by the General Secretariat of Tourism of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism of the Government of Spain to the fiestas, festivals or ...
References
External links
Page of Holy Week of the department of Tourism of Málaga
Easter in Málaga
Agrupación de Semana Santa de Málaga
{{DEFAULTSORT:Holy Week in Malaga
Málaga
Málaga (; ) is a Municipalities in Spain, municipality of Spain, capital of the Province of Málaga, in the Autonomous communities of Spain, autonomous community of Andalusia. With a population of 591,637 in 2024, it is the second-most populo ...
Festivals in Spain
Religion in Málaga
Culture of Andalusia