Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
Ronda’s opening of Holy Week was a huge success. Three processions were held in the streets, and the rain that was predicted had no effect.
The first thing to do at 10 am was El PollinicoIts brilliant papal colors of yellow and White.
This procession is a representation of Christ’s Triumphal Entrance into Jerusalem. Luke’s Gospel (19:36), tells us the people spread out their cloaks so Jesus’ donkey didn’t have walk on dirt.
Matthew adds (21:8) that the multitude also spread palm fronds on the ground – hence ‘Palm Sunday’.
Biblical scholars claim that Jesus chose a donkey instead of a horse to show his humility. This episode also fulfilled an Old Testament prophecy from Zechariah.
This only heightens our fear, as we know that this crowd is about to turn on Jesus and cause him to suffer a painful death.
The brotherhood that organizes the procession has its headquarters in the Ronda district of La Dehesa, at the church of San Antonio. Yesterday its two floats were accompanied by the bands Dulce Nombre de Jesús from Marchena and the Granatensis Musical Union.
Next to leave its home church was El Prendimiento, which set off from San Cristóbal at 5pm.
This float depicts one of the most elaborate Easter scenes. Judas betrayed Jesus and now he is being captured by two Roman soldiers.
Since the Bible depicts this scene as taking place on Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, the designers could not resist adding a real olive tree for an authentic touch!
By the time the procession got back to San Cristóbal at 11pm, the participants had been marching (and carrying the float!) The participants had been marching (and carrying the float!) for six hours.
The two bands playing for the procession were Nuestra Señora de Gracia from Carmona and Arunda, Ronda’s very own brass band.
Finally, Padre Jesús y María de la Amargura took to the street at 7pm. This is the gypsies procession.
Ronda’s gypsy culture is thriving and well-known.
The statue of Christ has no decorations.
The statue of the Virgin is highly revered. ‘Mary of the Bitterness’ is shown weeping, because the Mother of Jesus is said to have suffered enormously during her lifetime.
They see her as an image of their own discontent.
Not only are the two floats carried by gypsies, but when the procession ends a little after midnight, many gypsies gather outside the Santa María la Mayor church with guitars and tambourines, for an impromptu sing-song.
The bands yesterday were ‘La Unión’ of Montilla and ‘Maestro Paco Tenorio’ from Arriate.
Each procession made their way to the Socorro Church for a brief service before they returned to their respective parishes.
READ MORE
