And Then Along Comes Mary

The rains held off last night and, a little after midnight, we heard the beating of drums and the blare of trumpets heralding the arrival of the first procession to make it to our plaza this year. It was led by a multitude of "penitents" in brown robes, walking two abreast and carrying large red candles.

PENITENTS IN BROWN LEADING THE WAY.

Following the penitents was a float held aloft by I'd guess about two dozen men. They were hidden from view by the heavy brocade drapery, but we watched the shift change right below our window.

THE GUYS IN RED JACKETS ARE WAITING TO TAKE THEIR PLACES CARRYING JESUS.
(THEY'LL BE TOO OLD TO CARRY SAN GERALDO IN 2016.)

THE CHANGING OF THE BURLY GUARD.

The float carrying Jesus was followed by a large marching band (the source of the drums and horns) and then more penitents, this time carrying white candles.

A LOT OF CHATTING GOING ON DURING THE SHIFT CHANGE.

The penitents were of all ages, some so young that a parent walked along beside them (in non-penitential street clothes). A group of altar boys carrying white candles in stunning silver holders followed this group of penitents. And then along came Mary.

MARY'S CONVEYANCE. TOO HIGH UP TO SEE HER FACE
(AND I DIDN'T FEEL LIKE JOINING THE CROWD DOWNSTAIRS).

A lawyer's office is on the floor below ours and they had invited guests to view the procession from their balconies. As the paso carrying Mary came by, I looked down and saw that their guests had large boxes of flower petals on each balcony that they tossed in handfuls onto the passing float. It was a beautiful sight and the crowd on the street applauded enthusiastically, although the marching band that followed Mary probably didn't appreciate all the flower petals that found their way into the tubas and French horns.

FLOWER PETALS STREAKING FROM THE BALCONIES.

Now, the Madruga ("madrugador" means "early bird") approaches. The Madruga is the most special night of Semana Santa in Sevilla. It takes place between Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Jesús del Gran Poder (Jesus of the Great Power) is carried from his home at 1:00 in the morning heading for the Cathedral. On his return trip, he passes by our plaza 6-1/2 hours later, around 7:30 Friday morning. It's the only other procession I plan to see and I look forward to getting some better photos in daylight.

A BLOCK AWAY FROM HOME FOR BREAKFAST THIS MORNING.

Meanwhile, today, Holy Thursday, gave us a glimpse of another tradition. Women all in black wearing mantillas and veils. It was interesting to contrast the traditional women, looking very elegant and somber, and other women in the same basic costume, looking very fashionable and sexy (which I have a feeling is not what The Church has in mind).

HOLY THURSDAY.

DOWNSTAIRS AFTER BREAKFAST.

HEADING INTO OUR PLAZA ON THEIR WAY TO CHURCH.