Cofradías

Cofradías are lay Catholic brotherhoods or confraternities that organize religious devotion, charitable works, and mutual aid. They have a long tradition in the Iberian Peninsula and in Latin American countries, as well as in other regions influenced by Catholic culture. While their exact forms vary, most cofradías act as voluntary associations with defined statutes, a governance structure, and a commitment to community service and worship.

Historically, cofradías arose in medieval and early modern Europe as lay groups linked to parishes, monasteries, or sacred images. They often formed around a specific devotion, a local saint, or a religious image (pasos) that members cared for, carried, or displayed during liturgical rites. Over time many cofradías developed formal leadership, with roles such as mayordomos (stewards) and captains, and established charitable activities alongside ritual duties. Their organization is typically codified in statutes approved by ecclesiastical authority.

The activities of cofradías center on worship and charity. They organize devotional acts, maintain chapels or places for prayer, and oversee the care and procession of sacred images during religious occasions. A distinctive feature in some regions is the penitential Holy Week processions, in which cofradías parade members in distinctive robes and hoods (often called nazarenos) and carry pasos through the streets. Beyond processions, many cofradías run charitable programs, support the needy, provide social services, and assist with burials or education.

Cofradías contribute to local identity and culture, with traditions and costumes varying by town or country. They are typically seen as both religious institutions and cultural associations, preserving art, music, and communal memory while continuing contemporary acts of service.