After school, I went home and dropped off my stuff and headed back out with Albert. He decided to stay in Triana, but I wanted to catch some of the activity on the other side of the river, so we parted after about 15 minutes and I headed over. There were pretty big crowds even in places without processions...
Lots of business (and even residents) with balconies in the center of town rent out their balconies for the week to visitors or groups who want to watch processions from above. These will all be full on Sunday!
The chairs are starting to be unfolded and kids are enjoying this short window of time when the seat boxes are erected but not yet ready for their occupants.
And the first small, local processions have taken to the streets. It is about 11:30 as I write this and there are still a few hours left before the last procession of the night returns to its church. The bands are playing, the pasos are dancing (with the help of 24-48 strong men), the Nazerenos are carrying their candles,crosses, and other church artifacts - some with shoes and some without, there are people praying rosaries as they walk along with the group, and the smell of incense fills the air. It is part museum, part parade, part public prayer service,...
I don't exactly understand it, but I do appreciate the passion and commitment and the beautiful art.
