Processions

As I’m sure you all know, this week is Semana Santa. I posted on my Facebook status the other day that I missed home and CTK because I love the Easter celebrations. Well, I posted that before I’d seen the processions. Now, although I still miss home and CTK, I am more than reconciled to staying here in Granada during this week. The processions are pretty much the most impressive thing I’ve seen. Yes, in my life. They’re that cool. The pictures don’t come anywhere near to doing it justice, especially not my pictures since my camera is afraid of the dark. It’s not just the cool costumes (although, yeah, they are rather creepy) or the humongous and gorgeous floats covered in flowers, gold, silver and statues, but the entire atmosphere. The music, the crowds of people, the singing, the candles, the drums, the excitement of searching out the next procession – all of these things combine to make it an incredible experience. And it’s not just a cultural experience but a really profound religious experience. I can’t quite describe it, but trust me, it’s powerful.

This week there are processions every day starting in the afternoon and going until late at night or early in the morning depending on which one it is. Lauren and I plan to go to as many as humanly possible. We also plan to go to the Holy Thursday and Good Friday services at the Cathedral and the vigil which starts at 11:00 pm on Saturday. I’m excited. Bummed to be missing out on the festivities at home, but yeah, really excited about the ones here. Really, really excited!