Processions

"Do you go to the processions?" asked my Spanish-American hair stylist. "Yes, of course!" I replied from my seat in front of the mirror. And then we proceeded to talk about how much we love to go out for Semana Santa - how lively the town is, how much fun it is to join the crowds, gathering to eat and drink with friends. 

What I'm trying to say, without sounding completely irreverent, is that yes, I do love the processions. For different reasons than the deeply devout, but there is just such a palpable energy in the streets, bars, restaurants, and on the beaches that can be felt and enjoyed by everyone. Which is probably due to a combination of Catholic fervor and the majority of the population enjoying vacation days. In Andalucía, Semana Santa is like a sneak peek of what summer will bring interlaced with age old religious traditions. 

I went to downtown El Puerto several times during Semana Santa. Here are some pictures from the Domingo de Ramos (Palm Sunday) and Viernes Santo (Good Friday) processions. 

Domingo de Ramos

First tinto of 2013!

Sunday was sunny. That might not seem that exciting, but after a week nearly full of rainy days and a forecast for even more rain this week, it was noteworthy, an event. Life in El Puerto revolves around being outdoors - the beach, long meals eaten outside, leisurely strolls. When it rains, people are forced indoors, life slows, monotony and boredom set in. Everyone is miserable. Or maybe that's just me, I don't deal well with a lack of sunshine...

So, when Sunday turned out to be gorgeous - in the high sixties, sun shining - I knew we had to take advantage. Sunday was also Domingo de Ramos (Palm Sunday) which marks the beginning of Semana Santa, a holiday week for many Spanish. We took the dogs for a 2 mile walk on the beach, passing many people out for a start-of-spring-break seaside paseo.

Later we went downtown for lunch and the feeling was even more festive - families out for lunch, some people still carrying their branches from church, sidewalk musicians playing, flowers blooming, everyone enjoying the weather. We sat down outside at one of our favorite places (Antojito, if you're in the area, go now!).

And I just knew...