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At Easter the concept
of time and space in the city change
radically. The layout of the old quarter
of Seville is transformed. Pedestrians
take possession of the city once again.
There are people in the streets until
well into the early hours.
Hundreds of thousands of people wander
wearily round the old part in search a
Fraternity. So, besides the already
mazelike form of the streets of old
Seville, is added the likelihood of
running into a Fraternity or the fact
that the Official Route now divides the
historic part of the city into two.
In the end, all of this boils down to
making your way through the narrow
streets of Seville that are rarely
visited even by locals, which means
making a lot of discoveries: a little
hidden square, an interesting facade or
a quaint little bar. Some of the charm
of the festivities actually lies in
strolling around these unusual places
and times.
Tips for walking around Seville
during Easter Week.
At Easter, the shortest distance between
two points is hardly ever a straight
line. If you come across a Fraternity on
your way, very often it will be much
better to go a roundabout way instead of
trying to cross through the procession.
The Official Route divides the centre
into two parts. However, there is a
series of passageways which are very
well organised by the city police, which
will allow you to cross from one side of
the street to the other.
Walking around in groups of more than
six can prove to be very uncomfortable
if only because there is a greater risk
of someone getting lost. Looking for one
another is not exactly the best way to
enjoy an evening in Seville at Easter.
Ask the locals for information. Most of
them will know exactly how to advice you
where to go and how to get there.
Customs during
Easter Week.
The locals usually get dressed up to go
out to see the Fraternities, especially
on Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday and the
evening of Good Friday. The favourite
sweet food at Easter is "Torrijas",
bread soaked in wine and honey.
On Holy Thursday most churches install
the "Monumento" to Jesus Christ. In
doing so, the Eucharist is worshipped
precisely on the day which commemorates
the Last Supper. The Monumento installed
in the Cathedral is particularly
spectacular.
Photos:
Francisco Santiago@
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