EASTER

Football finals and important holidays are not the best dates to fix a wedding and Easter holiday in Spain definitely falls into the important holiday category, have you ever experienced Easter in Spain? If the answer is no, what are you waiting for? The Hotel Albayzin del Mar offers an excellent place for tourists to stay as it is literally two minutes away from the main procession route and yet offers guests the chance to escape into a haven of peace and tranquility within its walls. Sunbathe by the private pool in the tropical gardens, go down to the beach or join in the celebrations, the choice is yours.

As I write this our Easter celebrations are in full swing. So far the weather has been fantastic except for a little thunder storm yesterday that slowed the processions down but the sun is out today in force and everything feels clean and fresh ready for the spring!

Semana Santa, as it is called here in Spain, is a big event and declared of Cultural Interest. Candelit processions organised by the various Catholic brotherhoods carry heavy ornate throwns bearing the image of Christ or the Virgin Mary from the church, through the crowds. As they sway hypnotically along the narrow streets, members of the general public sing "Saetas" to show their devotion. Each procession is followed by the "Penitentes" dressed in long gowns, the colours of which vary depending on the brotherhood. Their faces are always covered to hide their identity, only their eyes show through glinting in the candlelight that illuminates their way.

Some of the processions are very loud, fire work rockets constantly go off to let people know where abouts they are and a big brass band walks through ahead announcing their arrival accompanied by loud drums which can be heard from a mile away. However there is one procession in particular which takes place late at night and in complete silence. The Penitentes, dressed in black, carry white candles and as they pass slowly by a stillness falls on everything. It is an awe inspiring sight to behold and eery as the only thing that can be heard is the shuffling feet of the Penitentes, the whispered orders of the leader and the laboured breathing of the Thrown bearers as they struggle under the heavy glass and gold transparent coffin containing the image of Jesus Christ.

Whether you are a believer or not it is hard to live Semana Santa in Spain and not be moved by at least some if not all of the beautiful moments it offers tourists.