Holy week in Granada, from 24 till 31 March 2013

Holy Week in Granada is one of the city’s most deeply rooted traditions and attracts the largest number of visitors. The processions take place between Palm Sunday and Resurrection Sunday.

The setting for Granada’s Holy Week is significant. The Cathedral, a excellent example of Renaissance architecture by Diego de Siloé, is the centrepiece of the religious activities. However, during the processions it is possible to visit other spots that make the event even more beautiful: El Albaicín, the Paseo de los Tristes, the Carrera del Darro and even the Alhambra.

The Gypsy processions are famous all over the world, the climb to the Sacromonte of the statues with a blend of devotional songs and bonfires; the one of the Silence or El Silencio when street lights are switched off as the procession passes by, and the procession around the Alhambra, which winds it way around the Nazarene monument, continuing along the famous Puerta de la Justicia.

Procession Holy Week Granada - Christ of the Gypsies de José Risueño

In the processions  sculptures of Christ, Maria and the Cross by Pablo de Rojas,  José de Mora, Risueño and Torcuato Ruíz de Peral are carried.

Holy Week in Granada also features a unique event; the prayer offered at three o’clock in the afternoon of Good Friday known as the Hora Nona. This takes place in the Campo del Principe, where the death of Christ is commemorated in front of the stone statue of the Cristo de los Favores. Traditionally, thousands of people gather here, to pray the three creeds and to make three wishes or requests.

Leche Frita - "Fried Milk"

The religious and festive attractions are complemented by traditional dishes during this week, which include local sweetmeats (roscos, pestiños, leche frita, and empanadillas) and stews dishes with cod, an essential part of this festival.

Source: Turgranada.es

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