Cartagena Semana Santa

We were in Cartagena for Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday. Of course this is after the crucifixion, so the Tronos have a different slant. Our hotel was directly across the street from one of the assembly points and we got to see some of the preparations from our balcony. 

We then headed down to the street where we had perfect locations to see the proceedings. Here the first groups leave the courtyard. 

Three penitents (they are actually called Nazarenos) walk in front of the group holding the implements used to torture Christ. 

Including this magnificent gold Crown of Thorns. 

The banner leads the group of Nazarenos.

Who walk in three lines along the street, each with a silver staff and walking in unison. 

I was amazed to see that not only the costumes match, but every person was wearing the same shoes with a shining reflective buckle across the front. 

Here the Trono approaches. This one celebrates Las Tres Santas Mujeres (the three holy women). One of course is Mary, the second is Mary Magdalene, but we did not know who the third was. 

Some of the Nazarenos carried these lovely candles with their crystal pendants. 

And there was the ubiquitous band playing their drums and brass instruments. 

But here's the most surprising aspect of this Trono. All the carriers are women. 

Note the white haired woman in the centre. There may well have been close to a hundred women bearing this huge Trono. Note the buckles on the shoes. 

And here the women being honoured. 

Above the street a family of Muslims watches the procession. 

Later in the evening we came across other processions. Here a regiment of Roman soldiers. 

And a Trono carrying an angel holding the burial cloth with an image of Christ - in a blaze of lights. 

This Cofradia wore white and black. 

The Trono approaches. 

This one had some beautiful blown glass candle holders. 

Note that people of all ages join the procession. 

Some groups have multiple banners to carry. 

Drummers drumming. 

Here a beautiful decorated empty silver cross is the object in the float with the brilliantly lit lights. 

We think this might be St. Anne, the mother of Mary. 

There were 18th or 19th century costumed soldiers carrying rifles or muskets. One disturbing feature - they march in goose step (like the hated Nazis) but I think this is in fact the marching style of the present Spanish army too. 

We watched some of the procession from a restaurant on the pedestrian plazas as the night drew in. 

Note that this Trono, like a number we saw in Cartagena, is on wheels rather than being shouldered by the faithful. 

A group of young boys were in this procession too with their detailed uniforms. 

There were still some Tronos carried by men though. This was the last we saw on Saturday evening. 

Easter Sunday brought the celebrants out in the daylight. 

Young men carry this Trono through the streets. 

The risen Christ and an exuberance of spring flowers. 

But still the Romans. 

With their belted boots. 

Here an angel announcing the good news. 

Another wheeled Trono. 

And a final one with Christ shown with a flaring halo. 

And the aftermath. Time to head home to remove costumes and return to normal life.