Leon information:
Astorga: Holy Week
The Semana Santa (Holy Week) of Astorga, which has been declared
of touristic interest in Castilla y León. It features the
event of the Desenclavamiento of an image of Christ, of great
historical value, on Good Friday. That takes places in the Procesión
del Santo Entierro (the Procession of the Holy Burial). In the
early morning the fraternity of la Vera Cruz leave their chapel
and carry the image on a stretcher to the Capilla de San Esteban,
where in an act reserved for the brothers, the image is nailed
to the cross, and the following day it is deposited in an urn.
During the days of the Holy Week celebrations, the fraternities'
processions consist of images of great artistic, cultural and
traditional value. Among the impressive works are two that are
preserved from the original processions: the Crucificado (Christ
crucified) of 1560, which is on show in the Good Friday procession,
and the image of Cristo flagelado (Christ flogged).
Apart from the images, the participation of the musical bands
is notable. There are currently four Holy Week bands. One of them
is Los Morlas, formed by two trumpeters and a bass drum. They
take part in processions such as la Santa Cena (the Holy Supper),
el Silencio (the Silent Procession), and el Encuentro (the Meeting).
The Banda Municipal of Astorga has also taken part in the processions
since the 19th century.