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A prisoner has been released following a Semana Santa parade that transformed a city in southern Spain.
Malaga’s streets were packed yesterday as thousands of people gathered to watch a prisoner be released in front of its cathedral, as part of an 18th-century tradition.
Jose R. C. received an official pardon from the government and was released as part of Jesus El Rico’s procession.
READ MORE: Malaga Holy Week tradition frees a prisoner convicted of violent attack
Jose R. C., who was being freed in a ceremony symbolizing redemption and mercy, received a blessing and knelt before the image of Jesus.
This is not the first time a convict has been released in this manner.
In 1759, a deadly plague left many dead and others seriously ill.
All Holy Week processions had to be cancelled because there were no men healthy enough to carry the religious thrones.
On hearing the news, inmates of the Malaga jail asked the King Carlos III to allow them to leave their cell and walk Jesus El Rico’s image through the streets. The parade could then go ahead.
READ MORE: EXPLAINER – How Spain’s ancient Semana Santa celebrations are celebrated in different cities
This request was denied, however, because authorities were concerned that prisoners could escape.
Ironically, inmates staged a rebellion, broke free from jail, went to church, and took the statues of Jesus El Rico, which they carried through the streets of Malaga.
Before returning to their cells, they walked through the most severely affected areas of the deadly plague while carrying the image on their shoulder.
No prisoner was able to escape. Impressed by this devotion, and the fact the plague subsided shortly after, the King declared that every year, the Brotherhood of El Rico will be allowed to release a jailed person during Holy Week.
This promise was only broken in recent history during the Spanish Civil War, and briefly in 2017 because of procedural issues.
READ MORE: Semana Santeria celebrations in Spain will end with temperatures reaching 30C.
Currently, the ceremony is a multiple-stage procession. It begins when participants leave the brotherhood home (Casa Hermandad), with a large number of floats.
This first stage symbolises the beginning of Christ’s journey to Calvary and is followed by the movement of a guiding cross (cruz guía) and then a float that depicts Christ carrying the cross whose image blesses the entire crowd.
After these steps, the prisoner will be released.
The live televised process includes civil, judicial, and religious authorities.
The crowd made it difficult to hear the speeches, but those who were most committed held their phones to their ears in order to catch every word.
READ MORE : Explainer: Why do the hats worn by the Semana Santa processions in Spain have a conical shape? And are they related to the KKK’s activities?
After the release of the final float, the procession proceeds through the main streets before returning to its starting place.
Nazarenos are Catholic brothers who wear tall, pointed hoods and walk in silence in order to confess their sins.
You will also see women wearing mantillas, a traditional dress and bands playing solemn songs.
The unique Semana Santa procession in Malaga is an important part of the celebrations. People gather to get a good spot at the front as early as 2 hours before the event begins.
Yesterday, teenagers, elderly people and families gathered in the streets to witness Jose R. C.’s release.
Jose R. C. was imprisoned in 2024 for bodily injury, making this a unique case. Usually the prisoner in the procession has not been convicted of violent crimes.
Jose R. C. was released yesterday after he underwent a pardoning process that included an analysis of reports from the sentencing courts and public prosecutor’s office.
Read more: Feeling hungry? Six typical Easter dishes in Spain to enjoy during Semana Santa
These reports noted his good conduct while in jail, leading to his pardon last week.
The Holy Week celebrations in Malaga continue through the next few days and culminate on Easter Sunday, with a procession of Christ resurrected.
The Olive Press has more Malaga News. Click here to read it.
