Granada Day 4
So, I'm a little late on posting about our day yesterday. My apologies to the masses of ones, maybe even tens, of you all who are following my trip.
Day 4 in Granada was laid back. The day began with our quest for Chinese food for lunch, in which we stumbled upon a small shops area. I was able to find a few souvenirs to bring home, which was cool.
After Chinese food, we walked through some more shopping areas, and were able to check out the European suit stores. Tight work. But way too expensive for me to have to ship back home. By now the weather was starting to turn bad, so we sought refuge in an American style Jazz club. This was refreshing change of pace for me, to be able to hear music that I recognized. Great atmosphere.
The highlight of the day was the silent procession. Just like all the rest of the Semana Santa processionals, this one had the solid silver objects, pointed-hood clad participants, and the huge exhibit with Christ on the cross. However, as the name suggest, this one did not include a band as the rest up until then had, and was done in complete silence, save one bass drum at the very beginning to help keep time. This included the spectators, and the city even turned off all the street lights, and police officers "asked" all the businesses and restaurants to turn their music and lights off until it had passed. The effect was remarkable, and you could hear the footsteps in time, the chains from shackles dragging the ground, and see the candles in the darkness, not having to fight the light of streetlights. I'm still not one hundred percent the religious significance of all the activities going on this week, but they are definitely memorable, and I can research them more when I get back to the states.
Adios!
Day 4 in Granada was laid back. The day began with our quest for Chinese food for lunch, in which we stumbled upon a small shops area. I was able to find a few souvenirs to bring home, which was cool.
After Chinese food, we walked through some more shopping areas, and were able to check out the European suit stores. Tight work. But way too expensive for me to have to ship back home. By now the weather was starting to turn bad, so we sought refuge in an American style Jazz club. This was refreshing change of pace for me, to be able to hear music that I recognized. Great atmosphere.
The highlight of the day was the silent procession. Just like all the rest of the Semana Santa processionals, this one had the solid silver objects, pointed-hood clad participants, and the huge exhibit with Christ on the cross. However, as the name suggest, this one did not include a band as the rest up until then had, and was done in complete silence, save one bass drum at the very beginning to help keep time. This included the spectators, and the city even turned off all the street lights, and police officers "asked" all the businesses and restaurants to turn their music and lights off until it had passed. The effect was remarkable, and you could hear the footsteps in time, the chains from shackles dragging the ground, and see the candles in the darkness, not having to fight the light of streetlights. I'm still not one hundred percent the religious significance of all the activities going on this week, but they are definitely memorable, and I can research them more when I get back to the states.
Adios!
Labels: Granada, jazz, Semana Santa, Spain
posted by Q at 12:39 PM
2 Comments:
I'm sure you know this by now, but Semana Santa is Easter Week. It is awesome that you were able to witness the festivities!
yeah, i knew it was the celebration of Holy Week, but i was unsure what all the specific portions of the processions were meant to honor or re-enact. for example there were people barefoot in shackles, carrying crosses. i'm assuming that was meant to re-enact Christ's journey to the site of his crucifixion, i'm just not 100% sure. but it was still awesome to experience.
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