Tomelloso initiated its Good Friday on April 18, 2025, with a solemn procession known as La Presentación, featuring the revered image of Jesús de Medinaceli. The event began at 7:00 AM from the Parroquia de la Asunción de Nuestra Señora, drawing hundreds of devoted participants eager to partake in this significant moment of faith.
The procession wound its way through several streets, including Independencia, Glorieta de María Cristina, San Pablo, Santa María, Raimundo Cepeda, Santa Rita, Ciudad Real, Reyes Católicos, Domecq, and Guadalajara, culminating at the Casa de la Hermandad. This serene route lasted nearly two hours and transformed into a collective act of prayer, punctuated only by the soft murmurs of promises and the muted sound of footsteps.
The Hermandad de Jesús de Medinaceli, which was canonically established in 1952, has seen the image of Jesús de Medinaceli, originally donated in 1949 by an anonymous local resident, become a central figure of devotion in Tomelloso. Despite being one of the youngest processions of the Semana Santa, this year marked its third procession, and it has quickly become an essential part of the local Easter celebrations.
During the procession, Jesús de Medinaceli was adorned in a striking velvet tunic embroidered with gold thread, a trinitarian cord, a scapular, and a golden crown, which is typically replaced by a natural thorn crown for the rest of the year. The image was accompanied by the emotive music of the Santa Cecilia band, directed by Marta Bañas, enhancing the solemn atmosphere that enveloped the event.
A significant presence at the event was the parish priest, José Ángel Martín, who presided over the procession, leading the faithful in their expressions of devotion. The procession saw participation from a multitude of devotees, many of whom carried candles as a symbol of their ongoing prayers and promises.
In a morning filled with springtime warmth and reverence, La Presentación was characterized by an atmosphere of reflection and sincerity, devoid of unnecessary embellishments. As Jesús de Medinaceli traversed the streets of Tomelloso, he brought together those seeking solace, forgiveness, and hope. The early morning air was thick with incense and prayers, marking the community's readiness to experience the most profound day of their Semana Santa.
As the procession made its way through the town, it was not just a religious observance but also a cultural gathering that united people from all walks of life. The event's significance was palpable, as participants reflected on the meaning of faith and community during this sacred time.
Each year, the Hermandad celebrates its principal function on the first Friday of March, which serves as a precursor to the main event of Good Friday. The preparations leading up to this day include a triduum, ensuring that the faithful are spiritually ready for the solemnity of the occasion.
Although the procession of La Presentación is relatively new, it has quickly established itself as a cornerstone of the Semana Santa in Tomelloso. The image of Jesús de Medinaceli, with its deep historical roots and emotional resonance, continues to attract devotion and respect from the community.
As the procession concluded, the faithful gathered at the Casa de la Hermandad, where they shared their experiences and reflections on the day. This gathering not only served as a moment of community bonding but also as a reaffirmation of their shared beliefs and traditions.
La Presentación is more than just a procession; it is a powerful reminder of the enduring nature of faith and the importance of community in times of reflection and celebration. In the early hours of Good Friday, Tomelloso awakened in prayer, united in their devotion to Jesús de Medinaceli, ready to embrace the intensity of the day ahead.
