La Macarena

La Macarena is the oldest brotherhood in Seville and was founded in the 16th century. Why is this brotherhood so well known? Because Juan Manuel Ojeda La Macarena first wore a colored mantle. During the procession in the week of Semana Santa, you can see 2 colors passing by: Green for Mary or dark purple for Jesus.

This brotherhood has one of Seville's oldest Maria’s, María Santísima de la Esperanza Macarena. Because she is one of the oldest, the people are very faithful to this Mary as if it were the only one. She is unique and one of the most beautiful Maria’s. What makes this Mary especially special is that she has been crowned by the pope, which makes her crown very important too.

La Macarena got the papal privilege to settle in a Basilica. This basilica is the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza Macarena. Here people from all over the world come to see the beautiful paintings and architecture, but of course specially to visit María Santísima de la Esperanza Macarena. The Jesus statue you can see in the church was made by Felipe Morales in 1654, all the other images around Jesus were built by another man named Antonio Castillo Lastrucci in 1929. Who made the image of Mary? This is still not known.

The only information we have about that image is that it was made in the 17th century. During Semana Santa, the Marena brotherhood in Madrugada normally has 3000 Nazarenos, but this year there are 4300! These Nazarenos walk and pray at the same time during this procession, they do this because they can then use all 5 senses to give the intercessor more insight into his needs. In total, this brotherhood will run for 13,5 hours outside.

Are you in Seville during Semana Santa? Take a look at one of these processions!