Thousands of people turned out on Motril streets and squares to witness the Procesión Magna. Eleven different Hermandades (Easter Brotherhoods) participated.

This religious event marked the 50 anniversary of the Agrupación de Hermandades y Cofradías de Semana Santa, hence this historic turn out, both by the Semana Santa procession brotherhoods, as well as by members of the public.

The first processions set out in the afternoon: Cristo de Nuestro Padre Jesús en su Entrada Triunfal en Jerusalén, el Cristo de la Humildad Oración Huerto de los Olivos, Nuestro Padre Jesús del Perdón, Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno, Nuestro Padre Jesús de Pasión, Nuestro Padre Jesús del Gran Poder, Santísimo Cristo de la Expiración, Santísimo Cristo de la Salud, Santísimo Cristo de la Buena Muerte, Santo Sepulcro and the Virgen de la Soledad.

These processions attracted literally thousands of spectators; some accompanying processions from their starting points, each leaving from its own church or brotherhood quarters, following them to the Plaza de la Coronación, where a church service was held.

After this the procession began the official route along the Avenida de Salobreña to the foot of the Santuario de la Virgen de la Cabeza (Ejército del Aire Fountain), where the official stand was situated. The Mayor and most of the Councillors, plus representatives of the Guardia Civil, the Policia Nacional and brotherhood Chairmans were in the stands to honour the passing processions.

From there, the official route took the processions along Avenida de Andalucía and calle Nueva up to Plaza de la Aurora, and from there each procession to its starting point.

It’s not often that you see Semana Santa processions outside Easter, but this was a very special occasion; hence its name “Magna” (Great).

Special thanks to Marie Claire Richardson for the photos.

(News: Motril, Costa Tropical, Granada, Andalucia)