I'm Sorry. Now, Give Me Chocolate.

NOTE THE BRILLIANTLY EXECUTED WOOD-CARVING OF JESUS CHRIST
IN THE DEPARTMENT STORE WINDOW.

I still haven't seen a procession. The rains, although welcome and beautiful after so many mostly dry months, have put a damper (yes, a damper) on many of this week's outdoor activities. I took a walk yesterday afternoon and watched for two processions scheduled soon to arrive at the plazas of La Campana and Duque de la Victoria.

TOURISTS, SHOPPERS, PENITENT.

While I waited, I snapped more pictures of penitents, but then the skies again darkened and I could hear thunder in the distance. So I walked the few blocks home and arrived just ahead of a great thunderstorm and downpour. A couple of penitents took shelter in the lobby of the music store across the street. I would have thought walking in the rain could have been part of their penance.

I STILL FIND THE WHITE HOODS UNSETTLING — MATCHING TAN SUEDE BIRKENSTOCKS
AND FLOWER-EMBROIDERED CUMMERBUNDS NOTWITHSTANDING.

I would love to stop someone and ask them what they are repenting, if anything. Yesterday, I saw a 5-year-old in a blue robe, carrying his hood, while walking hand-in-hand with his mother. What could he possibly have done that would require him to publicly (yet anonymously) repent?

THE SUGAR GIRALDA AT LA CAMPANA SURROUNDED BY DECORATIVE
AS WELL AS EDIBLE PENITENTS. NOW THIS I UNDERSTAND.

While out walking today, I asked a very nice guy in a local shop if he could shed some light on all this. He explained that most people are dressed in the robes and conical hats of penitents for tradition's sake and aren't really repenting their sins. He told me he could understand our discomfort with the cone-hooded strangers. He's from Sevilla and it makes him uncomfortable, too.

THEY DO HAVE CHOCOLATE EASTER EGGS (AND TIKI HEADS... AND PINEAPPLES)!

I might try and catch one procession as it leaves its home church around 5 p.m. It's then supposed to walk right below our windows a few minutes after midnight tonight as it makes its return trip. Here's hoping the rains don't force this one to cancel.

RESERVED SEATING IN PLAZA DE SAN FRANCISCO (WHERE THEY USED TO BURN HERETICS).
CITY HALL TO THE RIGHT. BANK OF SPAIN, CENTER.