As Holy Week reaches its peak, processions across Spain are set to captivate thousands of spectators. On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, cities like Seville, Madrid, and Malaga will showcase their traditional Holy Week processions, each with its unique history and significance.
In Seville, the day is particularly special as it marks the midpoint of the Semana Santa celebrations. Known as the "day of the crucified," this Wednesday will see nine brotherhoods take to the streets, including notable ones such as San Bernardo, La Sed, and Buen Fin. The processions are expected to draw significant crowds, especially after a few days of rain that had disrupted earlier events.
The first procession to set out in Seville is the Hermandad del Carmen Doloroso, departing at 15:00 hours from the historic parish of Omnium Sanctorum. The route includes a journey through the bustling streets of the city, culminating in a return to the same church by 23:00 hours. This brotherhood, founded in the 1980s, has become a staple of Holy Week, with its beautifully crafted images and heartfelt devotion.
Following closely is the Buen Fin brotherhood, which will leave at 15:50 hours. This procession, which has roots dating back to 1590, will pass through the Carrera Oficial, a designated route that showcases the processions in front of the cathedral and other significant landmarks. The entry time for Buen Fin is scheduled for 23:30 hours.
The La Sed brotherhood, known for its striking imagery, will begin its journey at 12:00 hours, making it one of the earlier processions of the day. This brotherhood has a rich history, having been established in 1969, and features the iconic image of the Virgen de la Consolación, which will debut a newly embroidered mantle this year.
Other notable processions include San Bernardo, which departs at 14:15 hours, and Las Siete Palabras, which will start its journey at 20:30 hours. Each procession is steeped in tradition, with participants donning traditional robes and carrying intricate floats that depict various religious scenes.
Meanwhile, in Madrid, the Holy Week celebrations will also be in full swing. The Santísimo Cristo de las Tres Caídas will commence at 19:45 hours, followed by Nuestro Padre Jesús de la Salud at 20:15 hours. These processions reflect the deep-rooted Catholic traditions of the city and are expected to attract large crowds.
In Malaga, the atmosphere will be equally vibrant. The first procession, Mediadora, is scheduled for 16:00 hours, followed by several others, including Salesianos at 17:15 hours and El Rico at 17:45 hours. Malaga's Holy Week is renowned for its unique style, with many of its floats being transported on the shoulders of the faithful, creating a communal atmosphere of devotion and celebration.
Weather conditions are looking favorable for the processions in Seville, with the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) predicting clear skies after two days of rain. According to Aemet, there is no chance of rain until midday, with only a 25 percent likelihood of precipitation between 12:00 and 20:00 hours. This marks a welcome change, as previous days saw several brotherhoods forced to remain in their temples due to inclement weather.
As the day progresses, temperatures are expected to remain cool, with a minimum of around 7 degrees Celsius. This is a stark contrast to the warmer temperatures of previous years, providing a different backdrop for the processions.
Looking ahead, the forecast for the rest of Holy Week remains uncertain. Holy Thursday is expected to bring a 65 percent chance of rain, particularly during the afternoon hours, while Good Friday could see precipitation levels soaring to 95 percent. This unpredictability adds an element of tension and excitement to the festivities, as participants and spectators alike hope for favorable weather conditions.
In conclusion, the Holy Week processions in Seville, Madrid, and Malaga represent not only a significant religious observance but also a rich cultural tradition that brings communities together. As brotherhoods prepare to take to the streets, the anticipation builds for what promises to be a moving and visually stunning display of faith and artistry.
