Page 451 - Essencials of Sociology

Holy Week in Spain
feature tronos that depict the
Religious groups develop rituals designed to biblical account of Jesus'
evoke memories, create awe, inspire reverence, suffering, death, and resurrec­
and stimulate social solidarity. One of the tion. During the processions
primary means by which groups, religious and in Malaga, the participants walk slowly for about
secular, accomplish these goals is through the two minutes; then because of the weight of the
display of symbols. tronos, they rest for about two minutes. They
repeat this process for about six hours a day.
I took these photos during Holy Week
in Spain—in Malaga and Almuñecar. © Jim Henslin, all photos
Throughout Spain, elaborate processions
Bands, sometimes
several of them, are
part of the processions.
The procession in the
village was more informal.
This Roman soldier has
an interesting way of
participating—and keeping
tabs—on his little daughter.
The girl is distributing candy.
A group of participants
exiting the Church
of the Incarnation
for Malaga’s Easter
procession.
Parents gave a lot of attention to their children
both during the preparations and during the
processions. This photo was taken during one
of the repetitive two-minute breaks.