Turismo religioso
Holy Week in Huéscar
The first reference regarding this religious celebration in Huéscar dates back to 1580. The different Brotherhoods have a collection of images of great artistic value, some of them created as long ago as the 16th and 17th centuries.
Holy Week in Huéscar is one of the most important celebrations in the Altiplano region. From the Holy Tuesday to the Easter Sunday six different Brotherhoods march in procession through the streets of the town; their floats are carried by their horquilleros and costaleros (the members of the brotherhood who bear the floats).
Of particular interest is the performance of the Tres Caídas (the three times that Jesus fell carrying the Cross) that takes place in the Plaza Mayor during the morning of the Good Friday.
Los Descalzos
Hermandad del Santísimo Cristo del Perdón y Virgen María del Mayor Dolor
Founded: 1961
Church: Iglesia de Santiago
Nº of floats: 2
Artist: Sánchez Lozano
Place of interest: When it leaves the church – this is an intense moment of penitents amongst the worshippers.
Every Holy Tuesday at 9pm, the Brotherhood of the Santísimo Cristo del Perdón y Virgen María del Mayor Dolor, traditionally known as “Los Descalzos” (the barefoot), opens the doors of the Ermita del Ángel to start its procession. The penitents march barefoot, wearing with black tunics and black textile masks, praying along the Way of the Cross, with the sound of a drumroll in the background. This brotherhood makes a big impact due to its austerity and devotion.
During Holy Week in Huéscar the passage of the thrones under the Puerta del Sol, also known as “Arch of the Holy Christ”, in the Calle Alhóndiga is worthwhile seeing. Because it is not very high, the costaleros (float bearers) go down on their knees or crouch, as they carefully carry the float.
(Some of the following Brotherhoods also go out on processions on Good Friday and Holy Saturday).
San Juan
Cofradía de San Juan Evangelista
Founded: 1619
Church: Ermita de la Aurora
Nº of floats: 3
Artist: Sánchez Lozano
Place of interest: The traditional Tres Caídas, which takes place in the Plaza Mayor.
On Maundy Thursday the Cofradía de San Juan visits the station of Penance with the floats Nuestro Padre Jesús Atado a la Columna (known as Cristo de los Azotes) and Santa María Magdalena y Nuestra Señora de la Aurora accompanied by St John the Evangelist.
La Soledad
Real Cofradía de Nuestra Señora María Stma. de la Soledad Coronada
Foundation: 1602
Church: Ermita de la Soledad
Nº of floats: 3
Artist: Sánchez Lozano
Place of interest: The return to the Ermita el Sábado Santo at dusk, and the impactful devotion of the faithful.
This Brotherhood goes out in procession carrying the image of Jesús en su Oración en el Huerto.
(Some of the following Brotherhoods also go out on processions on Holy Saturday).
El Cristo
Venerable y muy Ilustre Cofradía del Santísimo Cristo de la Expiración y María Santísima de la Esperanza
Foundation: 1580
Church: Iglesia de Santiago
Nº of floats: 2
Artist: The Christ is by Sánchez Mesa; the Virgin Mary is by García Mengual.
Place of interest: As it passes under the Arco de Santo Cristo.
During the morning of Good Friday the “El Paso” procession and the performance of the “Las Tres Caídas” take place in the Plaza Mayor. During the performance, the figures of St John and Mary Magdalene are used to re-enact the three meetings with Jesus of Nazareth, uncovering the Cloth of “Las Tres Caras” (the three faces).
At night, the Brotherhood del Cristo, goes out carrying the figure of Cristo de la Expiración.
San Juan
Cofradía de San Juan Evangelista
After them, the Cofradía de San Juan goes out, carrying the float of St John the Evangelist and Nuestra Señora de la Aurora.
La Soledad
Foundation: 1544
Church: Iglesia de Santa María
Nº of floats: 1
Place of interest: As it passes by the Plaza Mayor.
On Holy Saturday the Brotherhood de la Soledad goes out on a procession once again carrying the same image.
La Torrecilla
Pontificia Hermandad Sacramental del Santísimo Sacramento
Foundation: 1544
Church: Iglesia de Santa María
Nº of floats: 1
Place of interest: As it passes through the Plaza Mayor.
On Easter Sunday the “La Torrecilla” closes the Holy Week processions. It is led by the representatives of different Brotherhoods, the Federation of Brotherhoods and by representatives of the town council.
