Holy Week began on April 13, and the processions that are characteristics of the celebrations in Seville, Spain, are already in full swing. The week leading up to Easter is known as Semana Santa de Sevilla, and celebrated with decorated floats, statues of holy figures, and elaborate processions of church brotherhoods wearing hoods and robes.
These nazarenos, or penitents, wear costumes that hide their identities so they can repent in public without being recognized as self-confessed sinners, according to the Telegraph. The pointed hoods are called capirotes.
Penitents from La Cena brotherhood during procession in Seville, Spain, Sunday, April 13, 2014. Hundreds of processions take place throughout Spain during the Christian Easter Holy Week.
A penitent from La Cena brotherhood during procession in Seville, Spain, Sunday, April 13, 2014.
SEVILLE, SPAIN - APRIL 14: A woman fits the dress of a penitent from 'San Gonzalo' brotherhood while they walk to the church to start a procession on April 14, 2014 in Seville, Spain. Easter week is traditionally celebrated with processions in most Spanish towns.
SEVILLE, SPAIN - APRIL 14: Penitents from 'San Gonzalo' brotherhood walk to the church to start a procession on April 14, 2014 in Seville, Spain. Easter week is traditionally celebrated with processions in most Spanish towns.
A penitent from La Cena brotherhood holds his mask as he is waits in the church before taking part in a procession in Seville, Spain, Sunday, April 13, 2014. Hundreds of processions take place throughout Spain during the Christian Easter Holy Week.
SEVILLE, SPAIN - APRIL 14: A penitent from 'San Gonzalo' brotherhood hugs another penitent as they wait for the start of a procession inside a market on April 14, 2014 in Seville, Spain. Easter week is traditionally celebrated with processions in most Spanish towns.
SEVILLE, SPAIN - APRIL 14: Penitents from 'San Gonzalo' brotherhood walk to the church to start a procession on April 14, 2014 in Seville, Spain. Easter week is traditionally celebrated with processions in most Spanish towns.
Penitents from La Paz brotherhood walk to the church before taking part in a procession in Seville, Spain, Sunday, April 13, 2014. Hundreds of processions take place throughout Spain during the Christian Easter Holy Week.