Holy Week in Cordoba

Holy Week in Cordoba as we know it today was born in the 16th century out of small brotherhoods of medieval origin. Today 38 brotherhoods take part, grouped in the Association of Brotherhoods of Cordoba, which publishes the routes and timetables every year. It has been declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest.

Its most distinctive feature is the setting: every brotherhood makes its station of penance at the Mosque-Cathedral, and their routes cross the historic centre, also a World Heritage Site, where the so-called Fernandine churches are home to many brotherhoods. The floats (pasos), carried by male and female bearers, sometimes leave through doors so tight that they have to be carried out on their knees.

The preparations can be felt weeks beforehand, with the bearers' night-time rehearsals in the streets. Among the traditions being revived is opening patios on Maundy Thursday.

Through the streets of the centre and of each brotherhood's home neighbourhood. All of them head to the Mosque-Cathedral along the official route (Carrera Oficial). Some spots recommended by the City Council: the Roman Bridge, Plaza de Capuchinos, Cuesta de Luján, San Cayetano, El Realejo, San Pablo, Plaza del Potro, San Pedro, San Lorenzo and Santa Marina.

People follow the brotherhoods through the neighbourhoods, route booklet in hand, looking for the departures and returns at the churches and the corners where the floats look their best. Saetas are sung, women wear the black mantilla on the main days, and taverns and restaurants serve the traditional Lenten dishes of the season.