Terrorism and weather threaten Easter parades
Spain has increased its security alert after threats from radical Islamic terrorist groups to disrupt the Catholic celebrations
THE Ministry of the Interior has increased police patrols in all major cities with large Holy Week processions after reports over radical Islamic terrorist threats.
Alert levels have again been increased to Level 4 (out of 5) as the threats also coincide with the general election campaign and the Valencia regional elections on April 28.
Extra deployments have been scheduled at religious events - processions and offerings - churches and main transport hubs.
The increase in security comes after Telegram mobile phone app messages were intercepted on the Muntasir Media channel that is frequently used by IS groups to communicate.
A video calling upon 'muyaidins' mixes images of the Barcelona terrorist outrage in summer 2017 with images of holy week processions in Málaga an Valencia.
However, in the eyes of those organising and taking part in the processions, the main threat for this year's events comes from above.
The forecast downpours from today (Thursday) will not only affect the Costa Blanca but many other areas of Spain.
Some cities, such as Sevilla, rely heavily on tourism income due to their famous processions and rainfall could have a very serious impact not only on the religious acts, but also on establishments' takings.
If the clouds open, the main photo of this Easter will be weeping 'costaleros' and other Holy Week participants who prepare for the events throughout the whole year.