Procesión del Santo Entierro

 Sadly, the final procession of Holy Week, that depicting the Holy Burial, was cancelled tonight due to heavy fog and the damp conditions.

The Plaza del Ayuntamiento barely visible from the Church.

Quite a few people would be saddened tonight, in particular those such as these young Nazarenos below who despite the smiles to camera must have been very disappointed at not having the opportunity to participate.

These three lovely young ladies were happy to pose in the traditional mourning dress befitting this sombre occasion, each wearing their "Mantilla", a beautiful and delicate lace veil that covers the head and shoulders. 

It was also sad for the "Agrupación Música Nuestra Padre Jesús" who had travelled all the way from Granada to play in the procession.

Procesión del Cristo de la Vera-Cruz y Maria Santísima de la Esperanza

Anne and I walked up to the Plaza de la Iglesia to watch the start of this evenings procession, scheduled to commence at 8pm.

The Nazarenos appeared at about 8.30pm followed by the first of the two Paso's in the procession.

The Paso in Calle Victoria.

 The procession enters the Plaza de la Concordia.

The ever improving "Banda de Cornetas y Tambores Santa Ana de Olvera" providing another excellent performance.

I'm normally biased towards the bands of Olvera but I have to say that the "Agrupación Municipal de Música El Carpio (Cordoba)" were one of the best bands that I've seen perform at this type of event, not only playing their instruments superbly, marching in perfect step but singing as well.

 

 Taking the strain after a rest break. As I write this post, I can just hear the music of the procession returning to the Iglesia Mayor Parroquial, nearly five and a half hours after leaving the Plaza. Another brilliant example of teamwork, devotion and dedication by all those who participated, very much appreciated by all of the onlookers. 

Procesión de Jesús Nazareno y Nuestra Señora de los Dolores

Lying in bed at five this morning, listening to the rain hitting the window, we thought there would be no chance of today's early procession taking place. However, within the hour the rain had stopped, music could be heard so it was a fastish walk up to the Plaza de la Iglesia. I needn't have hurried though as another band was making its way to the Plaza from Calle Llana, an indication that nothing had yet started.

Onlookers were waiting in the Plaza with an eye to the dark sky waiting for any sign of movement.

At 7am, the purple clad Nazarenos appeared.

The first Paso (platform) turns the corner at the front of the Church.

The weight of the Paso is such that about every twenty metres or so a halt is called to give the bearers a rest.

Preparing to take the strain.

The second Paso in the procession "Our Lady of Sorrows" appears from the front of the Church.

Negotiating the cobbles and slope of Calle Calzada. 

"La Agrupación Musical Santísimo Cristo de la SGDA. Columna y Azotes" from Ecija were one of the support bands attending the procession.

The procession on its outward journey around the streets of Olvera.

Fast forward to 11.30am, where after a warming coffee at home, we returned to catch the procession as it returned along Calle Llana.

 No doubt tired knees and joints push the Paso upwards onto aching shoulders after a valiant effort by the Costaleros in supporting the platform for the last four hours or more. 

 One of the last obstacles to overcome is to turn the platform 90 degrees from Llana into Calle Pico to the final destination of the "Casa Hermandad" (Brotherhood House).

The Santa Ana Band of Bugles and Drums of Olvera.

 Nearly there. A tremendous effort by all who participated. Amazing skill, strength, devotion and dedication and a real community effort.