Submitted by Maxwell Poruban the 2024 Spring program in Granada, Spain…
This past week has felt the “most normal” of the six weeks I have spent in Granada, that is to say as “normal” as life can be as an American student living in Spain. At this point I am a quarter of the way through my semester-long courses at the Center for Modern Languages and I have learned lots; both in terms of course material, but also how to work and study in a new environment. In a few weeks I will take my midterm exams and be well on my way to the end of the semester. I’m not the only one looking ahead here in Granada. Now that the Lenten season has begun in Spain, Holy Week is fast approaching. Holy Week or Semana Santa takes place the week before Easter each year and its celebration in Andalucía is a rich cultural tradition. One of the most important and iconic aspects of Holy Week are the penitential processions conducted by religious brotherhoods across Spain’s southernmost Autonomous Community. During these processions members of the brotherhood carry large pasos or floats, that are ornately and richly decorated, over large distances. Pasos can weigh as much as 2.000 kg or upwards of 4,400 lbs. and require anywhere from 20 to 50 people to lift. Although traditionally a penitential activity, carrying these floats takes extreme strength and teamwork that must be practiced throughout the. As a result, brotherhoods conduct training exercises where they mirror the route of the Semana Santa processions with a weighted training paso. It is truly an impressive sight and, when you’re not expecting it, is a wonderful break to an otherwise normal week. (Submitted on February 18, 2024)