Religious processions began in some parts of Sevilla on Friday ahead of the hugely important Holy Week celebrations.
The Friday before Palm Sunday is known as Viernes de Dolores (Friday of Sorrows), and in some cities acts as an unofficial prelude to Semana Santa, especially in Sevilla, Granada, Malaga and Cadiz.
The day is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, often referred to as Our Lady of Sorrows, and reflects on her suffering during the Passion of Christ.
In Sevilla, various local religious brotherhoods – cofradias – and parish churches hold processions on this day, although they do not form part of the official Semana Santa schedule.
The Viernes de Dolores processions are more intimate and local and include small or newer brotherhoods.
They see young men carrying pasos (floats) with images of the Virgin Mary in sorrow, often accompanied by a figure of Christ.
The men where purple pointed hats and robes, either white or also purple.
Purple is the liturgical colour for penance, mourning, and suffering. It is used especially during Lent and Semana Santa to symbolise repentance and the passion of Christ.
Notable Viernes de Dolores processions in Sevilla can be seen in the neighbourhoods of Pino Montano, Padre Pio or Bellavista.
They are a calmer, more reflective start to Holy Week and act as a warm up for locals.
