Still in procession in the Alhambra....

I knew the sky would eventually clear up, and here was I on Saturday, walking up to the Iglesia Santa Maria de la Alhambra....Hurry up ! the salida (the start of the procession) is at 16h30 and it's already 16h....

Os puedo hacer una foto ? (can I take a picture of you?)

Pues claro ! (of course, you can!)

Thank you so much....I would have loved to ask indiscreet questions like : do you participate every year ? what does it mean to you ? is there a fee to pay to be part of it ?

but no time....

people are gathering around the church....last calls are being made

some women are totally dressed in black in mourning for the death of Christ. They wear the traditional lace mantilla which is usually handmade.

the members participating to the procession enter the church

I couldn't take my eyes off that woman. I loved everything about her : her hair, her coat which looks so 60's, her earrings and her black lace dress

mother and daughter. tradition vs modern go hand in hand

I think some women are simply gorgeous with this traditional Spanish hair style (comb and mantilla). I wish I could dress like this just once but occasions are very rare. I would have to be invited to a smart wedding in Sevilla or to the feria next month. Alas I have no connections in Sevilla !

the procession starts with the nazarenos

they hold very long candle sticks called cirios

the color of the outfit : capirote (hood) + tunica (tunic) + capa (cape) varies according to the hermandades (brotherhood)

the church is next to Palacio Carlos V. I love the blue color of the capirotes and capas (hood and cape) contrasting with the purple wisteria (I'm sure blogging friend Sara likes it as well)

I forgot the name of these men in black....sorry !

this man in a black suit looks so Spanish to me...may be because of the mustache

women in black....they wear the medal and ribbon of the cofradia or hermandad (brotherhood or members of the church participating to the procession) they belong to. They are of all ages really.

they look so elegant

isn't she cute ?

the carrier of the cross...usually barefoot but he or she preferred to remain in socks

incense is burned in a metal urn which hangs by a chain and is swung by children to spread the scent....

people clap when finally the float or paso makes its appearance. Adorned with flowers and candles, the float usually represents a biblical scene with the Virgin Mary and Christ. It is very very heavy and is being carried by dozens of men.

and the band closes the procession and...no I didn't stay until the end late at night as the day progressively turned cold and windy with ominous black clouds gathering up in the sky. My fingers were so frozen I couldn't properly press the button on my camera I definitely had a great time !