The Way of the Cross

For the brotherhoods of Granada, the beginning of the season of Lent is marked by receiving the ashes in the Cathedral and following the Way of the Cross, organised by the Royal Confederation of Confraternities. Ash Wednesday starts the forty days in which the brotherhoods and the city of Granada get ready for Holy Week. It is often said that brothers enjoy Lent more than Holy Week because they can feel their emotions more intimately, without the bustle of Passion Week.

This is due to the itinerary they follow through Granada''s neighbourhoods, bearing the images by sculptors Bernardo de Mora, José Risueño and Pablo de Rojas, of the 14 Stations along the Way of the Cross followed by Jesus until he came to Calvary, where he died.

It almost seems as though all Granada had moved to Calvary. The Way of the Cross followed by the image of Our Lord of the Passion makes you feel the pain and suffering of Jesus as it ascends the hill known as Cerro del Aceituno and the last rays of sun shine on the red hills of the Alhambra.

You can also join the Way of the Cross of the Cristo de Tres Caídas (Chist of Three Falls), from the Albaicín, where you can come within a few feet of the image that is later carried in a processional march on Holy Wednesday amidst the bustle and devotion of the Realejo neighbourhood. The fragrance of roses, incense and orange blossoms, mingled with church music, encourages meditation.

In Granada, you can really experience the Way of the Cross by accompanying the Cristo de los Gitanos (Christ of the Roma) in withdrawal and silence. In the dark of the night and with the prayers of the faithful carrying candles, the procession makes it way along the renowned Seven Hills of the Sacromonte Abbey, and the streets of the Magdalena, Zaidín and Antequeruela neighbourhoods.