Processiones

Processiones are organized public religious ceremonial marches characteristic of Catholic communities, featuring processions with images of Christ, the Virgin Mary, or saints displayed on pasos (floats) or carried on their stands. They form part of Holy Week observances, as well as other patronal festivities, and vary by region.

Confraternities (cofradías/hermandades) organize them and recruit participants: costaleros carry the pasos on their shoulders; nazarenos or penitents wear robes and tall pointed hoods (capirotes) or other garments; acolytes and monaguillos assist clergy; musicians and choir accompany with marching bands and religious hymns. The route is announced in advance; the procession is marked by silence, prayers, incense, and often a ceremonial stop for devotional acts. The iconography and style reflect local tradition.

Geographic distribution: The most famous associations are in Spain, especially Andalusia; processions are central to Semana Santa in cities such as Seville, Málaga, Granada, and Zamora; similar traditions exist in Portugal (procissões) and Latin America (Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador). In these places, processions may be deeply integrated with local culture and tourism.

Cultural significance: They serve devotional expression, preserve artistic heritage (paintings, sculptures, robes), and contribute to local identity and economy. They may be subject to public policy debates regarding religious imagery in public spaces and the use of anonymity in costumes. While the term is most commonly associated with Catholic religious processions, some communities organize secular parades or cultural processions that celebrate local traditions or civic events.