Sacred and surreal in Seville
culturally and spiritually important — generating the same fervour as soccer heroes — but are considered artistic masterpieces too. The official patroness of the city is the Virgen de la Esperanza Macarena; her statue takes the place of honour in the proceedings. She’s got a sorrowful face with glass teardrops, and her costume is adorned with gifts like a gold medal from a city mayor and emerald brooches presented by a bullfighter.
The processions start on Palm Sunday and continue to Easter Sunday, with the event attracting about a million visitors every year. Traffic comes to a standstill as