EASTER IN SPAIN

Dee Kay will be welcoming a group in Almeria, southern Spain, to enjoy walking in the mountains and desert and to witness some of the unique traditions of Easter including the spectacular processions during Holy Week.

The group will be small, with a maximum of 8...so book early to avoid disappointment!

We will be staying in a mountain village called Castro de Filabres, 10 miles from Tabernas and only 40 minutes from Almeria airport

Our first Procession will be the first evening - Wednesday night.

To understand Semana Santa in Andalucia, we learn about the groups of people who are at the heart of it all - the cofrades or members of cofradías, the religious associations that care for the images of Christ and Mary that are used in the processions and that meet throughout the year for various activities and to plan the next Holy Week celebrations and events in their local area.

In the heart of these organisations we find the history of present day Holy Week celebrations in Andalucia. It all goes back to when the cofradías formed in the 16th century and were provided with regulations by the Council of Trent to ensure that they based themselves on true Catholic doctrines and did not include any pagan or unnecessary traditions.

There are three types of cofradías:
Penitenciales
De Gloria
Sacramentales

Only the penitenciales participate in the Holy Week parades around Andalucia. Their historical purpose has been to bring silent Catholic convictions out into the light of day at specific times of the year, Holy Week - in order to bring the liturgy out of the church to the people in the street.

Members of Cofradías take their responsibilities very seriously. They are highly organised groups with governing bodies and committees. Everyone has a role to play and news of these groups will appear in local press from time to time throughout the year with information becoming more and more frequent as Semana Santa nears.

One of the most distinctive features, however, is the presence of tronos – huge ornate floats that are carried through the streets by hundreds of church members. These remarkable thrones depicting scenes from the Passion are escorted by groups of penitents wearing long purple robes and women in black holding lit candles.

They start as it turns dark so that we can enjoy the atmosphere and candle lit Processions….which last around 2 and half hours as the huge entourage winds its way through the narrow streets...

During the day, we’ll go off exploring, walking and enjoying local sights.
This area of Spain is off the beaten track so expect the unexpected…
The holiday will include:

3 Easter Processions celebrating the various stages of the lead up to the crucifixion

Daily walks/excursions to the rugged coastline in the Nijar National Park, local desert of Tabernas and in the surrounding hills and mountains...

Click here for a video of Dee Kay walking in the mountains above Castro de Filabres

Visits to local markets, olive oil factories, pretty white villages and Bronze Age settlement

Accommodation is in self-contained terraced cottages

Every day a 3 course meal will be included

Breakfasts are provided in your own cottages to be taken at your own convenience - all other meals are taken together either en route when we are out, or back in the village.

Transfers to and from the airport are included in the price.

The only thing you have to find is your air fare which is reasonable at present so book soonest

Depart: LGW Wednesday 17th April 09.00 12.45 Almeria

Return: Tuesday 23rd April 10.05 via Madrid are LHR 13.35

£197 return at present so sign up and book your flights as soon as possible

Costs:
£557 based on 2 sharing a twin or double per person
£657 single room occupancy of twin room
£697 single occupancy of double room
All the rooms have beautiful views...

 

Deposit non-refundable  £150
Leader: Dee Kay
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