Palm Sunday: Domingo de Ramos

We are gearing up for Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Sevilla. We've been told the population of the city increases this week from approximately 800,000 to over 2 million. The city seems to be prepared. We, however, are not. Fortunately, our apartment is on the route of several of the 61 processions that will wind their way around the city over the next eight days. So, if we don't want to battle the crowds, we can simply move from balcony to balcony and watch the parades pass by.

DETAIL OF ONE OF THE HUGE PASOS AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING LAST SUNDAY.

A MORE COMPLETE VIEW OF THE SAME PASO.

ANOTHER VIEW (THE FIGURES ARE LIFE-SIZE).

I've been studying and printing out the routes of the daily processions. The pasos (floats) carry Jesus, Mary, and/or other personages of biblical significance. The statues are life-size and we've had an opportunity to see some of them in their home churches, basilicas, chapels, and brotherhood buildings. 

ONE OF THE VIRGINS OF SEVILLA.

Last Sunday, many opened their doors so people could view the completed pasos before they make their tours of the city. The craftsmanship and the precious metals, painted woods, and fabrics used to create these displays are awe-inspiring. 

BASILICA OF JESÚS DEL GRAN PODER (JESUS OF THE GREAT POWER).
HOME TO ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PASOS AND JUST UP THE STREET FROM US.

JESÚS DEL GRAN PODER LAST NIGHT. HE'LL PASS BY OUR HOUSE AT LEAST ONCE.

By the end of the week I know I will have had my fill of all the religiosity, but the first paso to be carried by our house will be here Monday. I may or may not head out this afternoon to get a street view of some of the others. If I do, I have a feeling it will be my one and only time to share the street with the crowds. Our birds-eye view will be so much more relaxing. Maybe we'll have some hot chocolate and a Semana Santa specialty, torrijas (which is basically french toast swimming in honey).

I JUST LOVE THOSE CHERUBS.
OUTSIDE THE CHURCH OF SAN LORENZO IN THE SAME PLAZA AS JESUS DEL GRAN PODER.

It's already been an entertaining week. Early in the week, we noticed that all our regular cafés, restaurants, and bars had significantly less tables on the plazas and sidewalks (or low tables where they always had high tables). I won't mention any names, but I asked one of our friendly neighborhood bar owners what was going on and I was told they don't have a license for more than nine tables. It's not a problem the rest of the year but during Semana Santa "there are many eyes," so they temporarily follow the rules. This morning however, all was back to normal at two of our regular haunts. I asked what was up and was laughingly told, "It's Sunday; no one's looking."