The rain is turning Holy Week in Seville into a calvary. The unexpected downpours of spring have affected the early days, preventing most brotherhoods from taking their floats out onto the streets. The Madrugá, the most anticipated date for the capital’s cofrades after Palm Sunday, was also affected by the rain. The images of the six brotherhoods – Macarena, Silencio, Gran Poder, Esperanza de Triana, Gitanos, and Calvario – that were supposed to process through the night and into the morning of Good Friday remained in their headquarters due to the weather forecasts. This has been one of the rare occasions in recent history that the Madrugá has been canceled, with the last similar occurrence taking place in 2011.
The cancellation of all processions on Holy Thursday left little hope for the following days. The rain has been unrelenting since Palm Sunday, diminishing the sensory spectacle that usually fills the streets of Seville during Holy Week. Despite the disappointment, many locals still gathered early in the afternoon on Thursday at the doors of the chapels that were set to process during the Madrugá. The safety and preservation of the valuable statues and garments worn by the figures are a major concern for the brotherhoods. The risk of damaging these historical pieces, some of which date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, due to rain and other adverse weather conditions is a serious consideration.
The disappointment persists despite the cancellation of the Madrugá, as the threat of rain continues for the upcoming days. With only 12 brotherhoods finishing their processions by Holy Thursday, a stark difference from the 31 that did so in the past, this Holy Week is on course to be one of the most lackluster in recent memory. Some see a silver lining in the rain, hoping that it will help fill reservoirs and alleviate drought conditions in the region. Despite the setbacks, the passion for Holy Week in Seville remains strong, with locals still finding ways to admire the elaborate floats and figures within the churches.
While the rain may have dampened the spirits of the city, it has not extinguished the fervor for Holy Week. Even if the processions cannot take place outdoors, locals are still visiting the churches to see the sacred images up close. The Gran Poder chapel remained open during the night so that those gathered outside could view the statues, and other brotherhoods have followed suit in allowing visitors to admire their figures during the day. The water levels in Andalusian reservoirs have seen an increase in the past week, providing some relief to the region’s water supply.
Despite the challenges posed by the rain, the passion for Holy Week in Seville endures. The cancellation of the Madrugá and the disruption caused by the rain have not deterred locals from celebrating their traditions and honoring their religious heritage. As the city navigates through this difficult Holy Week, the resilience and devotion of the Sevillanos shine through, proving that even in the face of adversity, the spirit of Semana Santa remains strong in Seville.
