Palm Sunday (Domingo de Ramos)

We got to Rota a little late so we just caught with up with the procession along the way. It was only one float portraying Jesus Christ riding a donkey while entering Jerusalem. There was also a brass band following behind the float. The streets were packed and it was tough making our way and saying "Perdon" so many times just to get through.

As I described in my introduction the different characters in the procession, the people in the red pointed caps are the 'Nazarenos' and are members of the local brotherhood. More than one group participate in the processions and are distinguished by the different colors of their caps.

A closer view of the float.


Here are the acolytes/altar servers carrying the censer and incense which are used at designated stops along the route.

A pair of the smaller bandmembers.



This is the Parroquia del Merced Church where the float will stop and perform a ceremony. The 'costaleros' (float carriers) move the float back and forth in a swaying motion in time with the band music and then continue on with the procession. The crowd show their appreciation by clapping their hands after each distinct movement.

The float has stopped in front of the church and as you can see, the crowd is really packed around the float.

The float continues on with the procession.





The Parroquia de San Roque where the procession started. You'll notice that it's already dark. The earliest processions leave at 7:30 pm and normally lasts about 4 hours. This procession started at 4:00 pm. During the Holy Week, the float/s stop at designated points to symbolize the Stations of the Cross. People have already staked their spots to ensure a good view of the ceremony.


The first batch of the Nazarenos arriving with the 'Cruz de Guia' (Guide Cross). It took another 30 minutes for the float to arrive in front of the church.

The place is now really packed. The local TV crew was also present and the main camera was right behind us and I was able to get on the platform to take some good pictures.


The float finally arrives. The costaleros maneuvered the float forward, backward, side to side and then finally turned it around to enter the church backwards and facing the crowd. The moves were really impressive but I didn't have my video camera. A really overwhelming experience after considering the meaning of the procession.