A Klan Rally in Spain

So the Rota Klan got together on Thursday night and we decided it would be fun to hang out with them. OK, not really. This is part of the Holy Week here in Spain - look it up. It's called Semana Santa and is an old tradition, so I'm pretty sure the klan stole these outfits from this religious ceremony. The ceremony consists of a procession of penitents (the hooded guys) followed by a statue of Jesus or Mary on top of a large float. The processions start in the evening and proceed through the town into the wee hours of the morning.

I have to say, the first time you see one these guys walking down the street, it makes the hair on your neck stand up. After watching the procession the feeling goes away and you can enjoy the cultural experience.


OK, still a little creepy.


Part of the procession are these women dressed in black mourning robes. Not sure why, but interesting and they look good.



Here comes the float leaving the church. The actual float is carved from wood and carried on the back of 40-50 men. We were told the float is incredibly heavy and the procession must be timed well and move slowly to allow the float to move through the narrow streets.


Mary and Jesus pass by as the onlookers reach out to touch the float.

Following it all is a band, which plays the Spanish National Anthem as the float leaves the church. Check out the coolest trombone player I've ever seen. Spanish bands are very fashionable.