Origen y Secretos de la Semana Santa

The Holy Week in Seville has shaped the history, personality and customs of the city from its origin in the Middle Ages to the present day. But how did it all start? How did the people experience it and make it their own throughout history? How has it managed to be a part of their everyday lives, on the streets, in the squares, bars, conversations and all over the city's calendar of events?

This route starts at Casa de Pilatos and delves into the origins of the first Holy Week celebration. What was it like and where did it take place? Which was the first Brotherhood? Who was the first "nazareno"? What do the pointed hoods (capirotes) mean? Where do the images they carry around come from and why?

We will explore Seville's streets, from La Alfalfa to El Salvador, from Plaza Nueva to La Magdalena Parish Church, to discover its most curious and anecdotal intrahistory. The origin and evolution of the official processional route, the artists and their artworks, the music, the smells, the ephemeral and the eternal. Duality: brotherhoods of Silence or local brotherhoods, brotherhoods wearing capes or trains, Our Lady of Macarena or Triana…

A journey through the intrahistory and interesting facts of a celebration that did not appear by chance. We will answer questions and unravel mysteries that define the identity of Holy Week as we see it today.

Route by Carlos Cabrera, History graduate and expert press contributor talking about brotherhoods and history. He currently presents and manages the programme “Gólgota”, and the information on the website “El Foro Cofrade”. He is a member of the Brotherhoods of San Gonzalo and Santo Entierro, and has held positions of responsibility in both.