The weather played a significant role on Monday, April 14, 2025, during the fourth day of Semana Santa in Sevilla, leading to a series of difficult decisions for various brotherhoods. Initially, the day began with a generous sun, encouraging the first processions to hit the streets. However, as the day progressed, the arrival of a weather front in the late afternoon dramatically changed the situation, bringing unpredictable rain that forced many to suspend their activities.
Among those affected were Las Penas, Vera Cruz, Santa Marta, and Las Aguas, all of which opted to suspend their processions due to the inclement weather. Meanwhile, brotherhoods like San Pablo, San Gonzalo, and Santa Genoveva had to modify their plans on the fly to adapt to the shifting weather conditions.
Santa Genoveva, which had started its penitential station from Tiro de Línea, took refuge at the University of Seville as the threat of rain became increasingly severe. This decision turned out to be a wise one, as the rain later intensified. After waiting several hours, and with a brief respite from the rain past 11:30 PM, Santa Genoveva made the decision to return to its neighborhood, providing a poignant image of the Señor Cautivo and his Mother, the Virgen de las Mercedes, crossing the city under the moonlight.
Las Aguas had initially set out at 6:45 PM, but after just a few minutes, the brotherhood quickly turned back due to the deteriorating weather conditions. San Pablo also faced challenges, halting its procession in the city center and seeking shelter at the Santuario de los Gitanos. The director of communication for the Hermandad de San Pablo, José Luis Contreras Navarro, noted that there was no possible refuge from their location and emphasized the urgency of their situation.
On the other hand, San Gonzalo decided to continue its route to the Cathedral, completing the first part of its penitential journey before seeking shelter. The brotherhood remained inside the Cathedral, contemplating whether to return to their home in the Tardón neighborhood or remain in the city center. They expressed hope to resume their procession if the rain subsided by 9:30 PM.
Redención, another prominent brotherhood, managed to maintain its route, albeit with some modifications to avoid the worst of the rain. As they neared the end of their procession, a sudden downpour struck Sevilla at 9:30 PM, just as the Virgen del Rocío was returning to her temple. Fortunately, the brotherhood was close to the Church of Santiago, allowing them to react quickly and avoid any major disruptions.
Despite the challenges, the day was marked by the resilience of the brotherhoods and the faithful. Santa Genoveva, in particular, captured the hearts of many with its dramatic return to Tiro de Línea, demonstrating that the spirit of Semana Santa remains strong, regardless of the weather.
Several brotherhoods, including Santa Marta, Vera Cruz, and Las Penas, chose not to proceed with their processions altogether, citing the high probability of rain as their main concern. The weather forecasts from AEMET indicated an 80% chance of rain during the critical hours of the night, confirming the apprehensions of many brotherhoods. The predictions proved accurate, as the rain began to fall heavily right on schedule.
As the evening unfolded, the decisions made by the brotherhoods reflected a careful balance between tradition and the unpredictability of the weather. Many had spent the previous year preparing for their processions, only to face the disappointment of cancellation once again due to rain. The emotional weight of this reality was palpable among the participants and spectators alike.
Ultimately, the events of Lunes Santo 2025 highlighted the challenges that come with celebrating Semana Santa in Sevilla. The interplay between devotion and the whims of nature created a day filled with both uncertainty and profound moments of faith. As the brotherhoods navigate these unpredictable conditions, the community continues to stand united, ready to embrace the traditions that define this deeply rooted cultural celebration.
