Experiences labelled with 'Semana Santa'
Madrid has old churches and historic plazas, but it's all mixed in with the daily grind of the metropolitan Spanish capital. Many visitors choose to explore Segovia next door where you can see an aqueduct, a castle, and a cathedral all within the historic city's defensive walls. The Segovia aqueduct alone is worth the visit. Casting its shadow over the Plaza Azoguejo, this massive Roman structure stands straight and true after 2,000 years without a drop of mortar. And it still works, bringing Segovia much of its water from the Fuente Fría River in the nearby foothills. Passing among the arches, it's easy to get dreamy about civilizations long gone. Climbing the hill into town, examples of Moorish-inspired Medieval Catholic architecture line the streets made ...
The Spanish are very social people, and a great many of the things they do are done in groups, socially. The big Spanish holidays reflect this strong flare for community, and Spain's Holy Week leading up to Easter every year showcases a very strong and ancient civic tradition, one that appears downright sinister to the casual North American observer. But don't be afraid, it's all very wholesome. It's just Semana Santa in Spain. For Semana Santa holy week, the potential shock-factor for North Americans comes from the costume adopted by the masses as they process through the streets celebrating Jesus's last days. The costume clothing known as Capirote is identical to, and was in fact the inspiration for, the blood-chilling outfits that the Ku Klux ...
