Semana Santa in Moorish Spain's last outpost

"La Dolorosa" is carried down the hill from the Alhambra into the centre of Granada.

2009-02-13T08:58:07Z

bobhughes
"La Dolorosa" is carried down the hill from the Alhambra into the centre of Granada.

A closer look at the "Paso" (float). The people carrying the float are known as "costaleros" and the red petals you can see covering Jesus' body and the float are rose petals thrown from win ...

2009-06-13T11:26:53Z

bobhughes
A closer look at the "Paso" (float). The people carrying the float are known as "costaleros" and the red petals you can see covering Jesus' body and the float are rose petals thrown from win ...

bobhughes' photo

2009-02-13T08:55:10Z

bobhughes

More Nazareños.

2009-06-13T11:42:18Z

bobhughes
More Nazareños.

Until recently only men were allowed to wear the conical hats and elaborate tunics of the Narazeños. Although this is changing, many women still wear traditional Spanish dress instead. Walki ...

2009-02-13T08:56:13Z

bobhughes
Until recently only men were allowed to wear the conical hats and elaborate tunics of the Narazeños. Although this is changing, many women still wear traditional Spanish dress instead. Walki ...

The Cruz de Guía - "guide cross" - is carried by a Nazareño and leads the processional entourage.

2009-02-13T08:56:57Z

bobhughes
The Cruz de Guía - "guide cross" - is carried by a Nazareño and leads the processional entourage.

A group of penitent women walk in line.

2009-02-13T08:57:02Z

bobhughes
A group of penitent women walk in line.

This shows the detailed lace work and lace glove of the traditional dress of Spanish women.

2009-02-13T08:58:02Z

bobhughes
This shows the detailed lace work and lace glove of the traditional dress of Spanish women.

The candle is specific to Semana Santa and is called a Cirio.

2009-02-13T08:55:38Z

bobhughes
The candle is specific to Semana Santa and is called a Cirio.

A young girl and Nazareño, both in costume, walk up the street returning to the Alhambra at around eleven thirty in the evening.

2009-02-13T08:55:38Z

bobhughes
A young girl and Nazareño, both in costume, walk up the street returning to the Alhambra at around eleven thirty in the evening.

The float is carried though Plaza Nueva in the centre of Granada.

2009-06-13T11:11:51Z

bobhughes
The float is carried though Plaza Nueva in the centre of Granada.

"Costaleros" carrying the float up the hill towards the Alhambra.

2009-06-13T11:41:52Z

bobhughes
"Costaleros" carrying the float up the hill towards the Alhambra.

A woman in the crowd sings a Saeta - a Catholic flamenco song which sounds like it has heavy Islamic influences

2009-06-13T11:32:59Z

bobhughes
A woman in the crowd sings a Saeta - a Catholic flamenco song which sounds like it has heavy Islamic influences

Music is a big part of the celebration and a band follows each float. The music is a distinctive mix of uplifting and melancholy.

2009-02-13T08:56:57Z

bobhughes
Music is a big part of the celebration and a band follows each float. The music is a distinctive mix of uplifting and melancholy.

At times drums are solemnly beaten alone, without the accompaniment of the other instruments.

2009-02-13T08:55:33Z

bobhughes
At times drums are solemnly beaten alone, without the accompaniment of the other instruments.

Here the float is being carried the final 100 yards up the hill to the Alhambra. The golden sandstone of the Muslim citadel can be seen in the background. The silver arches around the base o ...

2009-06-13T11:31:53Z

bobhughes
Here the float is being carried the final 100 yards up the hill to the Alhambra. The golden sandstone of the Muslim citadel can be seen in the background. The silver arches around the base o ...

As it nears the end of the procession, at around 1am, the float is carried through the arches of the original entrance gate to the Alhambra, built by Yusuf I in 1348.

2009-02-13T08:56:13Z

bobhughes
As it nears the end of the procession, at around 1am, the float is carried through the arches of the original entrance gate to the Alhambra, built by Yusuf I in 1348.

After the float has been carried into the Alhambra, and the crowds are gone, this couple remain overwhelmed by the emotion of the day.

2009-02-13T08:56:38Z

bobhughes
After the float has been carried into the Alhambra, and the crowds are gone, this couple remain overwhelmed by the emotion of the day.